President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF), Adeyinka Samuel, says the arrival of Italian coach Riccardo Bardine represents more than technical support — it reflects a strategic turning point in how Nigerian fencing is viewed globally and how the country intends to reposition itself in the sport.
Speaking after sealing a four-year development agreement with the Italian Fencing Federation (FIS), Samuel stressed that Bardine’s deployment is a calculated investment by Italy, not a charity gesture.
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“The presence of Riccardo Bardine is not accidental. It tells the world that Italy sees serious potential in Nigerian fencing — not only in our athletes but in our structure, our coaches, and the institutional relationship we’re building,” Samuel said.
The agreement, signed at the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Congress in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, includes joint coaching camps, referee training, and international exchange programs. Samuel described it as a major diplomatic and developmental win.
“For a country like Italy, with a long Olympic tradition, to partner with us in this way means they recognize the depth of our ambition and the seriousness of our reforms,” he said.
He pointed to Nigeria’s successful hosting of the Men’s Junior Épée World Cup in Lagos — the first ever held in Sub-Saharan Africa — as a major factor in convincing international partners of Nigeria’s capability and readiness.
“We showed the world that Nigeria can host world-class events and produce elite athletes. What we’re doing now is building a complete ecosystem — from grassroots to high performance,” Samuel said.
Beyond the technical aspects, Samuel emphasized the importance of perception and branding in sports diplomacy. “This partnership boosts our international image. We are not begging for help — we are forming strategic alliances. It’s a repositioning of Nigeria on the global fencing map.”
He called on both public and private institutions to recognize the value of such partnerships and invest in sports development beyond football. “Fencing is no longer a niche sport in Nigeria. It is becoming a platform for excellence, diplomacy, and youth development.”
Coach Bardine is scheduled to begin technical work with Nigerian athletes and coaches later this year. The NFF plans to launch a national training program aligned with Italian methodologies and host regional clinics for West African nations.
“This is just the beginning,” Samuel concluded. “We’re building something sustainable. We want to be a hub for fencing in Africa, and this partnership is one of the pillars.”
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