Nigerian elected Commonwealth Fencing Federation president

Nigeria's Fencing Federation leader, Adeyinka Samuel, has been chosen as the new president of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation. In a vote at the federation’s annual meeting in Atlantic City, Samuel received 14 votes to beat the incumbent Marie-France Dufour’s six. This win makes Samuel the first African and Nigerian to hold the position, a first for the CFF which previously saw leadership from nations like Scotland, Australia, and Canada.

Samuel’s win follows Nigeria’s hosting of the senior and veteran Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos. This is the first time U-23 and wheelchair fencing events have been recognized as medal events, boosting inclusivity in the sport. Delegates commended Samuel’s leadership and vision, noting his background as a world-class athlete who has led the Nigeria Fencing Federation to success.

Under his guidance, Nigeria has hosted the International Fencing Federation FIE-sanctioned Junior World Cups and African Championships, and now it will lead the Senior Commonwealth Championships. Sports reporter Abiodun covers various segments of Nigerian football, national teams, and cricket for PUNCH over the last six years. All rights reserved; PUNCH prohibits any reproduction, publication, broadcasting, rewriting, or redistribution of this material without prior written permission.