The Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF) has expressed commitments in providing equal opportunity and lasting pathways for persons with disabilities to participate and excel at wheelchair fencing.

This is contained in a statement by the federation on Tuesday in Lagos.

The NFF said the move was against the backdrop of the upcoming unveiling of Africa’s first-ever Wheelchair Fencing Academy in Lagos.

It noted that the academy would hold from Wednesday, August 5, to Friday, August 7, at the Rugby School Nigeria, Atlantic City, on Victoria Island.

According to the statement, the academy will bring together athletes, coaches, referees and volunteers from around the world.

It noted that the occasion would also witness participants from Liberia, Gambia, Brazil, Namibia, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Rwanda, Togo, Botswana and the host nation, Nigeria.

According to the statement, the 2026 ENABLE Wheelchair Fencing Academy is organised by the World Abilitysport, in partnership with the Commonwealth Fencing Federation, the NFF and REACH Africa.

“ENABLE, which stands for Empowering New Abilities, is REACH Africa’s inclusion programme aimed at changing lives through adaptive sport, education, leadership and opportunity.

“The initiative is designed to create lasting pathways for persons with disabilities to take part, compete and excel at wheelchair fencing, while promoting inclusion in communities,” the statement said.

It added that over the three days, participants would undergo intensive training in fencing techniques, coaching methods, and competition rules, as well as athlete classification and officiating.

According to the statement, a special referee education seminar would also be held during the programme.

It said the academy was led by Tonye Sawari, Programme Lead for the ENABLE Initiative, who was coordinating preparations for Nigeria’s Para team and other Commonwealth nations ahead of the championships.

The statement added that training sessions would be handled by the World Para Fencing Coaching Representative, Ivan Schwantes, alongside other international educators working to grow wheelchair fencing across Africa and the Commonwealth.

It added that after the academy, athletes would compete in individual and team events in foil and epee at the Commonwealth Championships.

Meanwhile, speaking on the importance of the initiative, Acting CEO of World Abilitysport, Harry Cootes, stressed the need for fencing to be made accessible to as many people with disabilities as possible.

He said the academy, now in its fifth year, had created opportunities for athletes and coaches in emerging nations.

Mr Cootes expressed excitement at bringing the impact to Africa for the first time.

Also speaking, REACH Africa Chairperson Rachael Samuel described the launch of ENABLE as a defining moment for inclusive sports in Nigeria.

She said ENABLE was more than a training programme, describing it as a commitment to ensuring that every young person, regardless of physical ability, had access to opportunity, dignity and excellence through sports.

Ms Samuel said the partnership with World Abilitysport, the Commonwealth Fencing Federation and the NFF would create a sustainable pathway for talent development, coach training and future Paralympians.

“The ENABLE Academy forms part of REACH Africa’s wider mission to use education, sport, and skills development to transform lives and create sustainable opportunities for underserved communities.

“As Nigeria prepares to host athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth, the academy and championships are expected to leave a lasting legacy by expanding wheelchair fencing and developing local expertise.

“The events are also expected to showcase Africa’s commitment to inclusive sports and equal opportunity for all,” she said. 

(NAN)