Nigerian History

Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF) was founded in 1997, by Chief Rotarian Kayode Aderinokun who was also the President of the Federation. Chief Rtn Kayode is a successful serial entrepreneur who despite not knowing a great deal about sport has contributed immensely to the development of the sport in Nigeria. In 2004, he initiated the campaign to get the NFF recognized by the Nigerian Olympic Committee after a Nigerian female Saber fencer (Jacquiline Esimaje) qualified for Nigeria at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Chief Rtn Kayode stepped down as president of the NFF in 2007 but still sits on the board of the federation as an Honorably Member.

In 2007, Dr Bidemi Odeleye was elected the president of the federation. Dr Odeleye is a rare-bred Nigerian academic with varied experience in private and public sectors of education. Dr Odeleye’s relentless passion for human development and behavior modification was what got him elected as President despite his limited knowledge about the sport. Contributing to the development of the sport, Dr Odeleye introduced fencing in a school in Ibadan (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)). During his tenure, he saw to the training of Nigerian fencing coaches abroad and the first locally trained athlete to compete at the African Fencing Championships. He also encouraged Nigerian fencers in Diaspora to compete at various international competitions. In May 2011, Dr Odeleye stepped down as president of the federation; however still sits on the board as the International Liaison Officer for the Federation.

In May 2011, My Adeyinka Samuel was elected President of the NFF. Adeyinka who is a successful serial entrepreneur and an expert in the Oil & Gas Industry, is very passionate about fencing and has had the opportunity to represent Nigeria at various international competitions (Commonwealth, World & African Championships etc.). In 2008, he was ranked among the top 100 world ranked fencers and at the time highest ranked sabreur in the UK. He sits on the board of various organizations (Nigerian Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Fencing committee etc.) and is also member of various International Fencing Organizations. Responsible for managing and spearheading the development of the sport in Nigeria, Adeyinka has achieved a great deal under his watch including hosting the first fencing exhibition, Introducing the Fencing in School program, organizing National competitions, inter-school competitions and Holiday camps (local and international), coaching course (local and international) and starting up several clubs. The NFF currently has over 100 active fencers and 3 Internationally Certified Fencing Master Coaches.

Detailed highlights of some his achievements can be seen below:

Fencing In School Program: The aim is to introduce fencing in every school across Nigeria. We started off in 2011 by rehabilitating the fencing program in IITA before introducing it to other schools in other cities. Our Fencing in School program runs in over 10 schools in Nigeria.

Coach Development Programs: NNF has been consistent in developing national coaches across the country. We have organised several domestic coaching programs and sponsored several individuals on international coaching courses. We currently have 3 internationally certified Fencing Masters (Coaches) and other coaches at various levels. 

Nigerian Fencers in Diaspora Program: The NFF actively scouts for fencers of Nigerian origin to represent the country at various International competitions. We have successfully scouted Nigerians to represent us at various competitions. 

Premier Fencing Club: Premier Fencing Club (PFC) is an official club of the NFF. Through the support of the NFF, PFC was started in 2013 and been growing at fast rate. PFC has several fencing programs and targets a wide range of audience from as young as 3 years old.

Fencing Exhibition: In collaboration with the International Fencing Federation (FIE) and to mark a 100 years in existence of the FIE, we hosted the first fencing exhibition in Nigeria in 2013, which was attended by over 70 individuals. The NFF actively organised exhibitions and displays as a means of promoting the sport.

Holiday Camps: in collaboration with other organizations, we regularly organize domestics and international holiday camps. Our holiday camps are very well attended with over 50 children per day.

Domestic and International Competitions: We regularly organize national and school competitions to further develop our fencers. Our fencers are also active on the international scene, competing at several world championships, Grand Prix, World Cups, African Championships etc.