Nigeria is set to make history as it welcomes top fencing nations to the 2024 Men’s World Cup, scheduled for Dec. 14-15 at Charterhouse Lagos, an esteemed international school in Lagos.
Countries confirmed for the tournament include the United States, Hong Kong, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Greece, Angola, Togo, Benin Republic, and host nation Nigeria. The event will serve as a crucial point-earning opportunity for participants as they gear up for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifiers.
Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, described the event as a milestone, marking Nigeria as the first Sub-Saharan African nation to host the Fencing World Cup, aside from North African countries like Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia.
“This tournament provides Nigerian fencers the chance to compete against global counterparts and positions Nigeria as a leading fencing nation in Africa. We are proud to host this prestigious event and thank Charterhouse Lagos for its partnership,” Samuel said.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s successful bids to host the African Fencing Championships in 2018 and 2020 paved the way for this global opportunity. The event, he added, would inspire young athletes like Shemilore Fashola and Wisdom Okanlawon to gain international exposure while earning vital ranking points.
John Todd, Director of Education at Charterhouse Lagos, expressed the school’s commitment to promoting fencing in Nigeria.
“We are honored to host this event. At Charterhouse Lagos, fencing has always been an integral part of our independent youth program, and this partnership with the Nigeria Fencing Federation is a step toward growing the sport locally,” Todd stated.
Todd also reiterated the school’s readiness to support Nigeria’s bid to host future championships, including the Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
“We believe this tournament will inspire more young Nigerians to take up fencing, and we are committed to providing the necessary facilities to support the sport’s growth,” he added.
The 2024 Fencing World Cup is expected to not only elevate Nigeria’s profile in the sport but also pave the way for the country to become a hub for fencing in Africa.
