LAGOS, Nigeria, June, 2019—The Nigerian Fencing Federation recently reported developments and events, expanding fencing in the country and preparing for competition.
Akwa Ibom. A fencing awareness and development program was undertaken in Akwa Ibom, a coastal southern state in Nigeria, including fencing workshops and training at various schools and churches in the region. It began at Pegasus Schools, owned by ExxonMobil, where more than 250 young athletes were introduced to fencing over several weeks. The WOSEM Fencing Club, new to the region, is helping to promote the efforts there, and youths were encouraged to try fencing as a lifelong sport for recreation, competition, and career options.
Inter-School Dueling. Schools with fencing in Lagos and surrounding areas are intensifying training for an inter-school competitive circuit, to be held June 29 with U7 and U12 categories, featuring a variety of schools. The French School, Rainbow College, Greensprings Schools, American International School, Children International Schools, Meadow-Hall, and Priory Preparatory are some of the institutions involved in the event.
African Zonal Preparation. The Nigerian National Fencing Team is preparing for the 2019 African Fencing Championships, taking placed in Bamako, Mali from June 24-28. One of the qualifying events for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, it also a preparatory event for Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming 2019 Senior World Championships taking place in Budapest, Hungary from July 15-23. Of note, Olympic hopeful and female sabre competitor Blessing Olaode is one of Nigeria’s top fencers in-training for a busy year ahead.
The Nigerian Fencing Federation encourages those interested in more information to visit its website, www.NigerianFencing.com.
