As part of its ongoing efforts to empower women coaches and strengthen coaching development, the Nigeria Fencing Federation will host the third edition of its Women in Coaching Online Session on 30 October 2026.
The virtual programme will bring together women fencing coaches, administrators and leading figures from the international fencing community for discussions centred on leadership, career development, technical growth and practical coaching skills.
The session will be hosted by Nigeria’s Bola Suru, with Laura Simon of Malaysia serving as co-host.
A major highlight of the programme will be an intensive practical épée coaching session led by Dr Gennady Tyshler, Fencing Master, Coach Educator and President of the FIE Coaches Council. Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from one of the world’s most respected coaching experts and gain insights into modern coaching methods and athlete development.
The event will also feature renowned Tunisian fencer and three-time Olympian Azza Besbes, who will share her experiences competing at the highest levels of the sport, offering valuable lessons and inspiration to aspiring and established women coaches.
Representatives of the FIE Women and Fencing Council are expected to participate in the session, further enhancing its international outlook and creating opportunities for networking and engagement with key stakeholders in women’s fencing.
Other presentations will address key areas of coaching and professional development. Meirav Ofri Hershkovich will lead discussions on the challenges facing women coaches and opportunities for career advancement, while Teodora Visnjic will deliver a session on safeguarding in coaching. The Vice President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Rachael Samuel, will provide insights into business strategies and personal development for coaches.
According to the federation, the programme is designed to create a platform where women coaches can learn from industry experts, exchange ideas, share experiences and develop practical skills that can be applied in training athletes and managing their coaching careers.
The federation believes that investing in women coaches is a critical step towards strengthening the future of fencing in Nigeria and beyond. By providing access to education, mentorship and professional development opportunities, the federation aims to help build a stronger coaching workforce capable of nurturing the next generation of fencing talent.
The online session is expected to attract participants from different countries and coaching backgrounds, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional growth across the global fencing community. The programme will take place online via Google Meet from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. WAT on 30 October 2026
