As part of a strategic four-year partnership between the Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF) and the Italian Fencing Federation (Federazione Italiana Scherma, FIS), a top-level Italian coach is set to arrive in Lagos this June to prepare Team Nigeria for the 2025 African Senior Fencing Championships, scheduled for June 25–29 in Lagos.
The partnership, established in December 2024, is designed to accelerate the growth of fencing in Nigeria through technical collaboration and knowledge sharing.
One of the major components of this initiative is the deployment of an elite coach from Italy to support Nigerian athletes and coaches.
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Riccardo Bardine, a renowned figure in the international fencing community, will spearhead a two-week intensive training program for Nigerian coaches and fencers.
A certified fencing coach, strength and conditioning specialist, and expert in Paralympic sports, Bardine holds a degree in Sport Science and received his fencing education from the prestigious Club Scherma Pisa Antonio Di Ciolo—one of the world’s top fencing academies.
Bardine’s coaching career spans several elite clubs, including Circolo Scherma La Spezia and Club Scherma Rapallo. He has also served on the coaching staff of Italy’s U17 National Épée Team, working with top athletes in both the foil and épée disciplines.
As a former competitive fencer, Bardine’s achievements include a bronze medal at the Italian U23 Foil Championships, a silver medal at the National Team Championships (B Series, later promoted to A Series), and two selections for the Junior National Épée Team at World Cups.
He is also a certified Olympic weightlifting coach, with extensive experience in physical training for both able-bodied and Paralympic athletes.
Beyond the pre-tournament training camp, Bardine will lead Team Nigeria’s technical crew during the African Championships in Lagos.
NFF President Adeyinka Samuel expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its importance in building local capacity and raising the standard of Nigerian fencing.
“This is one of the many advantages of our international partnership with a leading fencing nation,” Samuel said.
“Hosting a coach of Bardine’s caliber in Nigeria is both cost-effective and transformational. It provides our local and diaspora-based athletes and coaches with direct access to world-class expertise.”
He added, “We remain committed to attracting more support from both public and private sectors as we continue our journey toward our ultimate goal—qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.”
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