Nigeria hosts international fencing tourney in Lagos

THE Nigerian Fencing Federation has been awarded the rights to host the 2018 Junior and Cadet (J/C) African Fencing Championships in Lagos.

The federation’s spokesman, Azubuike Okoro, said the championships would take place from Feb. 26 to March 5, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

He said the competition was internationally recognised as it was FIE (Switzerland) approved tournament.

Okoro said the competition would provide a platform for fencers across Africa’s 31 registered nations to compete for World Points; leading them to the Olympics.

“The tournament will pull in thousands of fencers, delegates and spectators from all other African countries, including Nigeria,

“This is the first international fencing tournament in Nigeria. It has been officially endorsed by Lagos State.

“Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and other top International (FIE delegates) and local dignitaries will be present, including the world richest Russian and FIE President — Alisher Usmanov.

“Participating countries comprise all registered African countries, being a minimum of 150 fencers,’’ he said in a statement.

He said that fencing was one of the five sports featured in the Olympics and modern Pentathlon that could open business opportunities for the tourism industry in the country.

“As Nigeria opens its doors to over 150 countries to attend this epic event, it will be a brand boost for the city of Lagos and another first for the Giant of Africa.

“In the end, it will not only be the fencing contestants that win but the citizens of Nigeria who benefit from the corporate, social and economic outcome of the elite sports tournament,’’ the statement said.