Sports
Nigeria Ready To Host World In Fencing
President of The Nigeria Fencing Federation (TNFF), Adeyinka Samuel said the country is ready to host a befitting World Fencing Championships in September.
Coming on the heels of successful hosting of the African Fencing Championships on two previous occasions in 2018 and this year (last February), Samuel said the Nigerian Fencing as the TNFF is commonly known, will once again pull all the stops to host the rest of the world, adding that the body is finalising all arrangements towards a hitch free competition.
“We have been awarded the right to host the World Fencing Championships between September 10 and 11 and unlike in all other sport, this is more or less a life-long hosting rights as we are also going to host the event in 2023,”Samuel said in Lagos yesterday.” So, it’s important for us to host the world championships successfully so that the International Fencing Federation can allow us to be hosting the annual event as long as we can.”
Samuel further disclosed that the two-day combat sport championships will hold at the Continental Hotel in Victoria Island on September 10 and 11, explaining that the championships is another opportunity to boost the status of Lagos as a sporting capital even as he called on both the state government and Corporate Nigeria to support Nigerian Fencing.
“Apart from the northern African countries like Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, no sub-Saharan African countries have hosted the world championships and I think It’s a big plus for Nigeria Fencing and that is why we are appealing to Lagos State (through the Lagos Sports Commission) as well as individual and corporate citizens to support our efforts,” he further said. “Very soon, I believe fencing will command huge respect and followership in Nigeria as much as Lagos City Marathon consequently we are bring everyone on board in order to have a successful event.”
According to the two-time Commonwealth Gold medalist in Fencing, the world championships will be an open event for the men to fight for honours in both the individual and team events strictly using the Epee equipment.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.