Nigeria is set to welcome a top Italian fencing coach in June as part of a strategic four-year partnership with the Italian Fencing Federation. This move aims to boost the development of fencing in Nigeria ahead of the 2025 African Senior Fencing Championships scheduled to hold in Lagos from June 25 to 29.
The Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF) announced on Sunday that Riccardo Bardine, a highly respected coach from Italy, will lead a two-week intensive training program for Nigerian fencers and coaches. This is one of the key steps under the partnership agreement signed in December 2024 between Nigeria and Italy.
Bardine is a certified fencing coach, strength and conditioning expert, and Paralympic sports specialist. He trained at the prestigious Club Scherma Pisa Antonio Di Ciolo in Italy, which is renowned globally for producing top fencing talents.
He has an impressive coaching background, having worked with elite Italian fencing clubs such as Circolo Scherma La Spezia and Club Scherma Rapallo. Bardine has also served as part of the coaching staff for Italy’s Under-17 National Épée Team and has trained athletes in foil and épée disciplines at the highest levels.
Before becoming a coach, Bardine was a successful fencer himself. He won a bronze medal at the Italian Under-23 Foil Championships and a silver medal at the National Team Championships. He was also selected twice for the Junior National Épée Team to compete at World Cups.
In addition to fencing, Bardine is a certified Olympic weightlifting coach, with expertise in physical preparation for both able-bodied and Paralympic athletes, making him a valuable asset to the Nigerian team.
During his stay, Bardine will lead the Nigerian technical team at the African Championships in Lagos, bringing direct experience and knowledge to Nigeria’s athletes and coaches.
Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, expressed excitement about the development, calling it a major boost for Nigerian fencing.
“This partnership with Italy, a leading fencing nation, is a great opportunity for us. Bringing a coach of Bardine’s calibre to Nigeria is both cost-effective and impactful. It allows our athletes and coaches, whether based locally or abroad, to learn from a world-class expert,” Samuel said.
He added that the federation remains committed to securing more support from the public and private sectors to grow the sport in Nigeria. “Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and this partnership is a step in that direction,” he added.
Fencing is a growing sport in Nigeria, but it still faces challenges such as limited access to world-class coaching and training facilities. This collaboration with Italy is expected to raise the standard of the sport in the country, provide new technical skills, and prepare Nigerian athletes for continental and global competitions.
The 2025 African Senior Fencing Championships will be a critical test for the Nigerian team, and the arrival of Coach Bardine is hoped to improve Nigeria’s chances of success on home soil.
As fencing continues to gain popularity in Nigeria, the partnership signals a positive move towards nurturing talent and increasing Nigeria’s visibility in the international fencing arena.
