US, Egypt, others for Fencing WCup in Lagos

Top fencing nations from around the world, including the United States, Hong Kong, Egypt and others, are set to participate in the 2024 Men’s Junior Epee Fencing World Cup, scheduled for December 14-15 in Lagos.

Nigeria’s prestigious international school, Charterhouse Lagos, will host the tournament, which makes Nigeria the first Sub-Saharan African country to host a fencing World Cup.

Countries confirmed for the two-day championship include Ghana, Senegal, Greece, Angola, Togo, Benin Republic, and host Nigeria.

President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, noted that Nigeria as the choice to host the event is a testament to the country’s global recognition.
“We are excited about the opportunity given to Nigeria to stage this important event. We are grateful to the management of Charterhouse Lagos for agreeing to host the tournament. This is a rare opportunity for any country in Africa, and we are thrilled to become the first Sub-Saharan African country to host the World Cup,” the Nigeria Fencing president said at a presser at the Lagos Fencing club on Wednesday.

“Having successfully hosted the African championships in 2018 and 2020, we have been eager to host the World Cup. Our bid was unanimously supported, and this event will provide our fencers with the chance to experience top-class competition at home,” Samuel said.
In addition to competing, the tournament will allow local players to earn points ahead of the qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and other major events.
Director of Education at Charterhouse Lagos, John Todd, expressed the school’s enthusiasm for hosting the event and other subsequent international competitions.

“We are excited that Nigeria is hosting such an event. At Charterhouse Lagos, fencing has been part of the UK’s independent youth program. Partnering with the Nigeria Fencing Federation is a long-term collaboration that we believe will help grow the sport.

“We are also supporting their quest to stage the Commonwealth Championships, as we have the facilities to support them. We believe more young Nigerians will embrace the sport, and we are committed to supporting Nigeria in improving the state of fencing,” Todd said.

For Nigeria’s teenage fencers, Shemilore Fashola and Wisdom Okanlawon, the tournament will provide an opportunity to compete against some of the finest fencers in the world.

According to the Nigeria Fencing Federation, about nine fencers are expected to represent the country in single and team events.