The 23rd African Fencing Championships, a prestigious tournament showcasing the continent’s finest fencing talent, is set to commence in Lagos, Nigeria, from June 25th to 29th, 2025. This five-day event, held at the renowned Charterhouse Lagos, which previously hosted the 2024 Fencing World Cup, promises thrilling contests across 12 individual and team events, with 12 coveted gold medals at stake. The arrival of fencing powerhouses Egypt and Tunisia has heightened the anticipation, adding to the excitement and competitive spirit surrounding the championship. This marks the fourth time the championships will grace Sub-Saharan Africa, having previously been hosted by Senegal in 2002 and 2009, and Mali in 2019, underscoring Nigeria’s growing prominence in the world of fencing.
Egypt, the undisputed giant of African fencing, boasting a rich history and a collection of accolades that dwarfs other nations, has arrived with a formidable contingent, determined to maintain their dominance and defend their overall title from the 2024 championships. Leading the charge are the celebrated El-Sayed brothers, Mohamed and Mahmoud, whose individual achievements have propelled them to international stardom. Mohamed, a bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics and gold medalist at the 2022 Mediterranean Games, brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the Egyptian team. His younger brother, Mahmoud, fresh off a resounding victory at the 2025 Junior World Championships in Wuxi, China, and currently ranked number one in the world junior rankings, adds youthful exuberance and exceptional talent to the Egyptian squad. Their presence guarantees a captivating spectacle for fencing enthusiasts.
Tunisia, another North African fencing powerhouse, also arrived in Lagos with high hopes and a team brimming with talent. Spearheading their campaign is the accomplished Farès Ferjani, a silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, who will be defending his individual men’s sabre title and leading the Tunisian men’s sabre team. Ferjani’s experience and leadership will be crucial to Tunisia’s aspirations of challenging Egypt’s supremacy. The clash between these two fencing giants promises to be one of the highlights of the championships, showcasing the highest level of skill and athleticism.
As the opening ceremony approaches, the remaining participating nations, including Mauritius, Angola, Rwanda, South Africa, Guinea, Morocco, Libya, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, are expected to arrive, completing the impressive roster of African fencing talent. The diverse representation from across the continent underscores the growing popularity and development of fencing in Africa, with nations eager to showcase their progress and compete on the continental stage. This gathering of nations promises a vibrant celebration of fencing, fostering camaraderie and promoting the sport’s growth across Africa.
The Nigeria Fencing Federation, under the leadership of President Adeyinka Samuel, has expressed profound gratitude for the generous support received from corporate sponsors and individuals, acknowledging their vital role in enabling Nigeria to host this prestigious championship. The Federation specifically highlighted the instrumental partnership with Charterhouse, the host venue, praising their unwavering commitment to fencing development in Nigeria. This collaboration between the Federation and Charterhouse exemplifies the importance of public-private partnerships in promoting sports and fostering international sporting events.
The Nigerian Fencing Federation views the hosting of the African Fencing Championships as a significant opportunity to elevate Nigeria’s standing in the global fencing community. The championship not only serves as a platform to showcase African fencing talent but also provides a valuable opportunity for Nigerian fencers to compete against the continent’s best, gaining invaluable experience and exposure. The Federation hopes that the successful hosting of this championship will inspire further investment in fencing development within Nigeria, paving the way for future generations of talented fencers. The championships are poised to be a memorable event, celebrating the spirit of competition, sportsmanship, and the growing prominence of African fencing on the world stage.
