With strong backing from Charterhouse Lagos and the enthusiastic commitment of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, preparations are in full swing for the 23rd African Fencing Championships. Scheduled to take place from June 25 to 29, 2025, in Lagos, this marks the fourth time the prestigious tournament will be held in sub-Saharan Africa, following previous editions in Senegal (2002 and 2009) and Mali (2019).
At a well-attended media conference held on Tuesday, June 10, at the Lagos Fencing Club, the President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, expressed his excitement and pride in Nigeria’s growing role in the sport.
“Today marks a truly historic moment for Nigerian sports and the African continent,” Samuel said. “From June 25th to 29th, Lagos will welcome the elite of African fencing as we proudly host the African Fencing Championships. This is more than just a competition—it’s a landmark event that cements Nigeria’s position as only the third sub-Saharan African nation to host this prestigious championship.”
He highlighted Nigeria’s growing reputation in the fencing world, noting the country’s successful hosting of the African Junior Championships in 2018 and 2022, and the Fencing World Cup in 2024. “Nigeria is rapidly emerging as a hub for fencing, and this championship is a testament to our consistent efforts and unwavering dedication,” he added.
The event will be hosted at Charterhouse Lagos, the first British independent school in West Africa. With a legacy rooted in over 400 years of British academic excellence, Charterhouse previously hosted Nigeria’s first Fencing World Cup and is now set to provide a world-class venue for the African Championships, sanctioned by the International Fencing Federation (FIE).
“To the 26 African countries that have confirmed participation, bringing over 200 athletes, I assure you of a world-class experience,” Samuel continued. “Lagos offers a unique blend of modern infrastructure, cultural richness, and passionate sportsmanship. Beyond the thrilling competition, we aim to deliver a memorable Nigerian experience, complete with captivating cultural showcases and a profound pan-African spirit of unity.”
Angela Hencher, Chief Operating Officer of Charterhouse Lagos, echoed this enthusiasm.
“Charterhouse Lagos is proud to continue its partnership with Lagos Fencing to host the 2025 Senior African Fencing Championships. This collaboration reflects our bold mission to deliver a transformative, holistic education rooted in British academic excellence, character development, and global citizenship.”
She emphasized the alignment between fencing and the school’s core values: “Fencing mirrors our educational philosophy—it demands strategic thinking, self-discipline, respect, and resilience. These are the same values we instill in our students: Excellence, Integrity, Courtesy, Service, and Wellbeing.”
Hencher concluded, “We are honoured to open our facilities to the continent’s top fencers and excited to help elevate the sport in Nigeria. This event is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of sporting excellence, personal growth, and cross-cultural collaboration. We are honoured, excited, and ready to take the next step in this incredible journey of Nigerian fencing.”