As part of a four-year collaboration, a coach from the Italian Fencing Federation (Federazione Italiana Scherma (FIS)) is expected to arrive in Lagos in June. This visit is intended to support the Nigerian team in preparation for the 2025 African Senior Fencing Championships, scheduled to be held in Lagos State from June 25 to June 29.

The partnership, formalized in December 2024 between the Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF) and its Italian counterpart, aims to enhance the development of fencing in Nigeria through technical assistance and shared expertise. The Nigerian Fencing Federation confirmed on Sunday that the deployment of an Italian coach is a key element of this collaborative effort.

Riccardo Bardine, recognized within the international fencing community, is slated to lead a two-week intensive training program for Nigerian coaches and athletes. Bardine is a certified fencing coach, an expert in strength and conditioning, and a specialist in paralympic sports. His fencing education was completed at Club Scherma Pisa Antonio Di Ciolo, an institution known globally in the sport.

Bardine’s experience includes coaching at clubs such as Circolo Scherma La Spezia and Club Scherma Rapallo. He has also served on the coaching staff of Italy’s U17 National Épée Team and has trained athletes in both foil and épée disciplines. As a former athlete, Bardine earned a bronze medal at the Italian U23 Foil Championships and a silver at the National Team Championships (B Series, which led to promotion to A Series). He was also selected twice for the Junior National Épée Team at World Cups. He is also a certified Olympic weightlifting coach, focusing on physical preparation for both able-bodied and paralympic athletes. Beyond the training camp, Bardine will lead the technical crew for Team Nigeria during the African Championships in Lagos.

Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, expressed his enthusiasm for this development. He highlighted the federation’s dedication to promoting the sport and improving the skills of both athletes and coaches.

“This is one of the many benefits of our international partnership with a top fencing nation,” Samuel stated. “Bringing a coach of Bardine’s caliber 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.

“We remain committed to seeking more support from both the private and public sectors as we work toward our ultimate goal qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.”