Nigeria makes history with six-medal haul at Commonwealth Fencing Championships

Posted : 12 August 2026

Nigeria has made a strong impression at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos, winning six medals, including one silver and five bronze, with the wheelchair fencing team achieving a historic continental milestone.

The championships, which began on Aug. 9 at Rugby School Nigeria, Atlantic City, are witnessing the first international wheelchair fencing competition to be staged in Africa.

Nigeria’s para-fencers have capitalised on the landmark occasion, securing five medals and becoming the first African athletes to win international wheelchair fencing medals on the continent.

In the women’s epee Category A, Itunu Kumuyi and Joy Iorguma claimed bronze after reaching the semi-finals, where they were defeated by their Indian opponents.

Nigeria added two more bronze medals in Category B through Joyce Otun and Abiola Rahamon, while Chidinma Dennis completed the wheelchair fencing medal haul with a silver medal after losing to India’s Sheranthi Thomas in the final.

Programme Director, Wheelchair Fencing, Nigeria Fencing Federation, Tonye Sawari, described the performance as a significant milestone for the emerging discipline in the country.

He said the athletes’ rapid progress was particularly impressive considering that training only began three months ago.

“You cannot imagine that we started training just three months ago, yet our athletes quickly became competitive against countries with years of international experience.

“This is a remarkable beginning and we hope to build on this success to raise the profile of wheelchair fencing in Nigeria.

“I am proud of our athletes for making their presence felt in this tournament and commend them for their spirited display,” he said.

Nigeria’s medal tally was further strengthened by Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye, who won bronze in the men’s senior sabre.

Akinyosoye, Nigeria’s top-ranked competitor, advanced from Pool 2 before producing impressive performances in the knockout stages.

He defeated England’s Charles Gellett 15-6 in the round of 16 and followed it with a 15-12 quarter-final victory over India’s Bebit Bright.

Despite sustaining an early hand injury, Akinyosoye battled through the semi-final before losing 15-10 to Australia’s Yoongi Shim to settle for bronze.

With six medals already secured, Nigeria’s performance has not only enhanced its standing in Commonwealth fencing but also marked an important breakthrough for wheelchair fencing in Africa.

The achievement is expected to provide further impetus for the development of both able-bodied and para-fencing in Nigeria and across the continent.

The championships will conclude on Aug. 14.

Nigeria makes history with six-medal haul at Commonwealth Fencing Championships

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