Grace Ekujumi
The Nigeria Fencing Federation has signed a four-year protocol agreement
with the Italian Fencing Federation, known as Federazione Italiana
Scherma (FIS), to advance the development of fencing in Nigeria through
technical support and knowledge transfer.
The agreement was formalized during the weekend at the International
Fencing Federation’s congress in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, expressed
his excitement, describing it as a significant step forward in enhancing
the expertise of Nigerian fencing officials.
Under this agreement, the Italian federation will assist Nigeria by
organizing international knowledge transfers and providing technical
support. This includes sending Italian coaches, referees, and
specialists to Nigeria to conduct training courses.
Paolo Azzi, President of FIS, signed on behalf of Italy, while Samuel
signed for Nigeria at the vibrant and brief ceremony.
“We are pleased to partner with the Nigerian Fencing Federation. Having
followed their progress over the years, we believe this partnership will
significantly accelerate their growth and development,” said Azzi after
signing the dotted lines in Tashkent.
According to the protocol agreement, FIS will supply technical know-how
to develop fencing in Nigeria and promote meetings, exchanges, and other
initiatives to increase contact between Nigerian and Italian fencers.
“We are thrilled to be making substantial efforts to enhance the sport
by organizing top-class events and seeking technical support from
leading fencing nations like Italy. This agreement will facilitate
knowledge transfer to our technical officials, adding value to our sport
by updating the skills of those who train and manage our athletes.
The FIS has significantly helped many African countries improve technically,
and we believe this partnership will allow us to benefit from their
extensive knowledge to transform our sport,” Samuel stated.
He also highlighted the upcoming Men’s Junior Epee Fencing World Cup,
scheduled for December 14-15 at Charterhouse Lagos, marking the first
time a Sub-Saharan African country will host a fencing World Cup.
Samuel appealed for increased support from both public and private
sectors to further develop fencing in Nigeria.
