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Nigeria has unveiled a 25-member squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, which will take place in Lagos.
The championship will run from August 9 to 14 at Rugby School Nigeria, Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island.
The squad is made up of 12 para fencers and 13 athletes in the able-bodied category, and is led by UK-based sabreur Folayemi Akinyosoye and Adebodunrin Thomas.
Akinyosoye, ranked No. 119 in the world, has grown into a leadership role after gaining experience at major continental competitions, including reaching the quarter-finals of the 2025 African Championships.
At 21, he will captain Nigeria’s men’s sabre team in both the U-23 and senior events as he competes in front of the home fans.
Adebodunrin is also regarded as one of the rising stars of Nigerian fencing. She made her debut at the 2025 African Championships in Lagos, helping the women’s épée team secure a top-five finish.
At the African Senior Championships in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year, she qualified from the group stages before losing 15–12 to Egypt’s Loulwa Soliman.
Other fencers in the men’s squad are Chizim Aninyei, Adegbola Babade, Wisdom Okanlawon, Diekolola Johnson, Nabil Oseni, Oghenegaren Thompson, Martins Olabaderinwa and Olagunju Zaafir.
On the women’s side, Oluwafiifehanmi Babatunde, Erinle Teniayo and Okpaleke Mekachi will also feature for Nigeria.
The para team comprises six men and six women featuring Oduneye Opeoluwa, Adibe Bright, Owolabi Daniel, Ajani Idowu, Adeniji Michael, and Owoyele Damilola.
The women’s team includes Obilor Chidinma, Rahamon Abiola, Iorguna Joy, Ezeamwafor Esther, Otun Joyce, and Kumuyi Itunu — all set to make their debut at the tournament.
