NFF to Host Third Women in Coaching Online Session on Oct. 30

The Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF) will hold the third edition of its Women in Coaching Online Session on Oct. 30, as part of efforts to empower women coaches and strengthen coaching development in the sport.

 

The federation announced the programme in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos. It said the virtual session would bring together women fencing coaches, administrators and leading figures from the international fencing community.

 

According to the NFF, discussions will centre on leadership, career development, technical growth and practical coaching skills.

 

Nigerian fencing coach Bola Suru will host the session, with Malaysian fencing coach Laura Simon as co-host.

 

The federation said a major highlight would be a practical épée coaching session led by Dr Gennady Tyshler, a Fencing Master, Coach Educator and President of the FIE Coaches Council.

 

It described Tyshler as one of the respected coaching experts in fencing, adding that participants would learn directly from him on modern coaching methods and athlete development.

 

Also on the programme is Azza Besbes, the Tunisian fencer and three-time Olympian. The NFF said she would share her experience of competing at the highest level of the sport and offer lessons and inspiration to women coaches.

 

Representatives of the FIE Women and Fencing Council are also expected to take part. The federation said their involvement would give the programme an international dimension and create networking opportunities with key stakeholders in women's fencing.

 

Meirav Hershkovich will lead a discussion on the challenges women coaches face and the opportunities available for career advancement.

 

Teodora Visnjic, described in the statement as a certified Safeguarding Officer in Sport for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Elite Epee, will speak on safeguarding in coaching.

 

Rachael Samuel, Vice President of the NFF, will offer insights into business strategies and personal development for coaches.

 

The federation said the programme was designed to give women coaches the chance to learn from experts, exchange ideas, share experiences and develop practical skills for training athletes and managing their coaching careers.

 

It said investing in women coaches was critical to strengthening the future of fencing in Nigeria and beyond, noting that access to education, mentorship and professional development would help build a stronger coaching workforce.

 

Such a workforce, according to the NFF, would be better placed to nurture the next generation of fencing talent.

 

The session is expected to draw participants from different countries and coaching backgrounds, and the federation said it would promote collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional growth across the global fencing community.

 

It will be held on Google Meet from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. WAT on Oct. 30.

 

Women fencing coaches interested in taking part are encouraged to register through the federation's official registration link.