Over 150 fencers are expected to participate in the inaugural Men’s EPE World Satellite Fencing Championship (Knights) billed to start at Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, today.
Speaking ahead of the championship, yesterday, President, Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF), Adeyinka Samuel, said the championship, which is an individual event for only men, is aimed at creating more awareness for fencing in Nigeria.
Adeyinka said Nigeria’s successful hosting of the African Cadet Fencing Championship in 2018 and 2022 motivated the world fencing body to award the World Fencing Championship hosting right to the country.
“This is the first in the series of Nigeria’s right to host the world championship. It is of pleasure to also announce that Nigeria has also been given the right to host the world championship for the next 20 years.
“The Fencing 2022/2023 season started on September 1 and since then, three Fencing World Cups have been cancelled and two World Championships postponed for various reasons.
“The fact Nigeria is still hosting the world men’s championship goes a long way to show our resilience and determination in NFF. Nigeria is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa with rights to host a world fencing tournament.
“Other countries are Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia. This is to show that hosting the World Fencing Championship is a major achievement for the country,” he said.
“I will like to inform you that there are far less entries for the World Championship, which is due to several factors that are being re-evaluated for future championships.
“Nigeria Fencing Federation has made much efforts over the past three months to safeguard our reputation. Entries for the championship are still open for member nations till Saturday when the championship begins.”
He added that the federation would also host a mini championship (Knights junior) along side the main event for aspiring fencers from age seven to nine, who would be picked from different fencing clubs and communities.
“The junior championship is a side event to celebrate the World Fencing Day. Nigeria fencers are in top shape to participate in the world event,” he said
