The Nigerian Fencing Federation has hired Italian coach Riccardo Bardine to prepare Nigeria’s national team for the 2025 African Senior Fencing Championships, scheduled for June 25 to 29 in Lagos.
This was made possible following a four-year partnership between the Nigerian Fencing Federation and the Italian Fencing Federation (Federazione Italiana Scherma, FIS) to prepare the Nigerian team for the fencing championship.
The collaboration, signed in December 2024, aims to accelerate the growth of fencing in Nigeria through technical support, knowledge exchange, and elite coaching development.
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A major milestone of the agreement is the deployment of an accomplished Italian coach to Nigeria ahead of the continental event.
Bardine will spearhead a two-week intensive training camp for Nigerian fencers and coaches.
He is also a certified Olympic weightlifting coach and is renowned for his strength training programs tailored to both able-bodied and Paralympic athletes.
NFF President Adeyinka Samuel expressed enthusiasm about the development, describing it as a significant leap forward for Nigerian fencing.
“This is one of the many benefits of our international partnership with a top fencing nation,” Samuel said. “Bringing a coach of Bardine’s calibre to Nigeria is not only cost-effective but also impactful, as it allows our coaches and athletes, both local and foreign-based, to learn directly from a world-class expert.”
He added that the federation remains committed to securing additional backing from both the public and private sectors as it pursues its long-term vision of qualifying Nigeria for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
