By VIVIAN AHANMISI

As part of the strategic four-year partnership between the Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF) and the Italian Fencing Federation (Federazione Italiana Scherma (FIS), a top-tier Italian coach will arrive in Lagos in June to work with the Nigerian team ahead of the 2025 African Senior Fencing Championships.

The tournament is scheduled to hold from June 25 to June 29, in Lagos State.

The partnership, signed in December 2024, aims to accelerate the development of fencing in Nigeria through technical support and knowledge exchange.

According to the Nigeria Fencing Federation on Sunday, the deployment of an elite Italian coach is one of the key deliverables of the collaboration.

Riccardo Bardine, a highly respected figure in the international fencing community, will lead a two-week intensive training program for Nigerian coaches and athletes.

Bardine is a certified fencing coach, strength and conditioning expert, and Paralympic sports specialist.

He studied Sport Science and completed his fencing education at the prestigious Club Scherma Pisa Antonio Di Ciolo—one of the world’s most renowned fencing institutions.

Bardine brings a wealth of experience, having coached at elite 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 top-level athletes in both foil and épée disciplines.

As a former athlete, Bardine boasts an impressive resume a bronze medal at the Italian U23 Foil Championships, a silver at the National Team Championships (B Series, promoted to A Series), and two selections for the Junior National Épée Team at World Cups.

He is also a certified Olympic weightlifting coach and specializes in physical preparation for both able-bodied and Paralympic athletes.

Beyond the training camp, Bardine will lead the technical crew of Team Nigeria during the African Championships in Lagos.

President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, expressed his excitement about the development, emphasising the federation’s commitment to growing the sport and enhancing the capacity of both athletes and coaches.

“This is one of the many benefits of our international partnership with a top fencing nation.

“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.

“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,” Samuel said. (NAN)