As part of a strategic four-year partnership between the Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF) and the Italian Fencing Federation (Federazione Italiana Scherma, FIS), Nigeria will welcome elite Italian coach Riccardo Bardine to Lagos this June.
His arrival marks a major step in the nation’s preparation for the 2025 African Senior Fencing Championships, scheduled to hold from June 25–29 in Lagos.
The partnership, signed in December 2024, is designed to boost fencing development in Nigeria through technical support and knowledge exchange. Bardine’s deployment is a core part of the agreement.
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Renowned internationally, Bardine is a certified fencing coach, strength and conditioning expert, and Paralympic sports specialist. He studied Sport Science and completed his fencing education at Club Scherma Pisa Antonio Di Ciolo, a globally respected institution.
His coaching résumé includes stints at Circolo Scherma La Spezia and Club Scherma Rapallo, along with service on Italy’s U17 National Épée Team. Bardine has trained high-level foil and épée athletes and brings additional credentials as a certified Olympic weightlifting coach.
During his two-week stint in Lagos, Bardine will lead an intensive training camp for Nigerian coaches and fencers, after which he will head Team Nigeria’s technical crew during the African Championships.
NFF President Adeyinka Samuel hailed the development saying “This is one of the many benefits of our international partnership with a top fencing nation. Bringing a coach of Bardine’s caliber to Nigeria is not only cost-effective but also impactful.
“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,” he said.
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