Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), Unveils Ambitious 2026 Agenda
Oru Leonard
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has revealed its comprehensive agenda for 2026, focusing on grassroots development and global competitiveness. President Hon. Chamberlin Dunkwu commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for including aquatics in the Commonwealth Games 2026.
He disclosed that more than eight programmes have been put in place to ensure continuous engagement of athletes across the nation, with three major grassroots initiatives forming the core part of the Federation’s development roadmap for 2026.
The programmes includes “Swim to the Future – Abuja;” scheduled for 7th of March, 2026;
“The 1st inter – schools Swimming Competition, Abuja, holding from 25th to 27th, March 2026. And
the National Junior Swimming Championship in Lagos, tagged “Swim for life,” set for April 2nd to 4th, 2026.
Hon. Chamberlin described the initiative as more than a series of events, noting that it is a structured pathway from talent discovery to elite performance, which is set to rebuild Nigerian aquatics from the grassroots upward. Stressing that sustainable sporting success must be planned, properly funded, and consistently nurtured, with schools and junior athletes serving as the foundation.
The President went ahead and explained that, “the Inter-School Swimming Competition will serve as the backbone of grassroots development by instilling discipline, teamwork, and a healthy competition, while the National Junior Swimming Championship will expose Nigeria’s best young swimmers to high-performance conditions comparable to international standards”.
The Federation noted that the approach is aimed at creating a steady pipeline of talent rather than isolated achievements.
Hon. Dunkwu also drew inspiration from the success of Abduljabar Adama, the first Nigerian and first Black swimmer to win a medal at the World Aquatics Junior Champions Also, he describes his achievement as proof of Nigeria’s immense potential.
“Adama moves beyond junior eligibility. The federation is committed to ensuring a new generation of swimmers rises to sustain Nigeria’s global presence.” He added.
To strengthen the implementation and funding of its programmes, NAqF announced the appointment of Thrive Resource as its marketing consultant. He said the firm will lead the federation’s sponsorship and commercial drive, leveraging its extensive network and experience across key sectors to attract credible long-term partners.
According to the President, Thrive Resource was selected based on its proven track record, strategic connections, and alignment with the federation’s ambition to build a sustainable future-proof Aquatics structure.
He reaffirmed the boards commitment to grassroots development, strategic partnership, and global competitiveness, stressing that swimming in Nigeria represents not just medals but also safety, health, opportunity, and hope.
NAqF aims to create a talent pipeline, leveraging school and junior athletes as the foundation for sustainable success.
(NSC Media)
