The Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF) has announced that a top-tier Italian coach, Riccardo Bardine, will arrive in Lagos this June to work with the Nigerian team ahead of the 2025 African Senior Fencing Championships. The championships will take place from June 25 to 29 in Lagos.
The deployment of the elite Italian coach is part of a strategic four-year partnership between the NFF and the Italian Fencing Federation (FIS), signed in December 2024. The partnership aims to accelerate the development of fencing in Nigeria through technical support and knowledge exchange.
Bardine, a highly respected figure in the international fencing community, will lead a two-week intensive training program for Nigerian coaches and athletes. With his expertise in fencing, strength and conditioning, and Paralympic sports, Bardine is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge to the Nigerian team.
The President of the NFF, Adeyinka Samuel, expressed his excitement about the development, emphasizing the federation’s commitment to growing the sport and enhancing the capacity of both athletes and coaches. “Bringing a coach of Bardine’s caliber to Nigeria is not only cost-effective but also impactful,” Samuel said.
The NFF remains committed to seeking more support from both the private and public sectors as they work toward their ultimate goal: qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
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