Lagos, Nigeria, has made history as the first Sub-Saharan African city to host the prestigious Fencing World Cup, signaling a major breakthrough for the sport in the region.
Pat Aiyenuro, President of the British Fencing Association, lauded the event, describing it as a "milestone moment" for Nigerian sports. “This competition shows the world that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with,” she said, emphasizing its potential to inspire a new generation of fencers in the country
The two-day event attracted participants from ten nations, including Hong Kong, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, showcasing Nigeria’s capacity to host global sporting events. Countries like Germany and the U.S. have already expressed interest in future collaborations, according to Aiyenuro.
The president also highlighted grassroots development as the key to unlocking Nigeria’s fencing potential. Programs introducing fencing in schools are underway, aiming to identify and nurture homegrown talent. “This is where future champions will come from,” Aiyenuro stated.
Efforts to make fencing more accessible to neighboring countries, increase female participation, and build Olympic-level athletes are now central goals for the Nigerian Fencing Federation.
With this landmark event, Nigeria is stepping closer to becoming a global player in the sport, with hopes of one day fielding Olympic-level competitors.
Comments