Nigeria Unveils Junior Swimmers for Zone 2 Championship in Senegal
Oru Leonard
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has unveiled a 15-member junior swimming team to represent the country at the 2026 Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Junior Swimming Championship scheduled to hold in Dakar, Senegal, from August 28 to 30.
The championship is expected to attract young swimmers from 32 countries, providing the Nigerian contingent with an opportunity to compete against some of the continent’s best junior athletes and gain valuable international experience.
The Nigerian delegation comprises 11 female and four male swimmers, with the federation positioning the competition as part of its preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games scheduled for October 30 to November 12.
NAqF said the Dakar championship would serve as an important assessment platform for evaluating the athletes’ readiness, while exposing them to high-level competition ahead of the Youth Olympic Games.
A press release signed by Arinzechi Chukwunonso, Media and Communication has stated the team departed Nigeria in batches, with some athletes scheduled to leave on Tuesday, August 25, while the remaining members will depart on Wednesday and Thursday.
The selected swimmers are India Brown, Omolola Akinsanmi, Atinuke Alfred-Olajide, Boluwatife Alfred-Olajide, Oluwatofunmi Ibidapo, Aviva Hibbert, Kristabel Chisa Oldeide, Ivanna Itoandon, Toluwalase Agarau, Tireniolu Olutodimu Nedd, Olutise Temilolu Nedd, Aidan Dumuje-Abili, Demilade Ayemowa, Oluwatimilehin Olaiya and Udoh Daniel Emediong. Christopher Ezemegwalu will serve as the team’s coach.
Beyond the Dakar championship, NAqF has lined up a series of competitions to sustain the athletes’ development and competitive readiness.
The “Swim to the Future” competition is scheduled for September, while the swimmers are expected to participate in the National Intermediate Games in October.
According to the federation, the competition schedule will keep the junior athletes active virtually every month from August through October, enabling them to build physical fitness, mental strength, confidence and competitive experience.
NAqF said the structured programme was designed to ensure that the swimmers remain in peak condition and develop the skills required to compete effectively at the international level.
The federation expressed optimism that sustained exposure to quality domestic and international competitions would help produce a new generation of Nigerian swimmers capable of making a significant impact at major international competitions.
NAqF reaffirmed its commitment to developing young talents through strategic preparation, regular competition and increased international exposure, as part of efforts to build a stronger and more competitive future for swimming in Nigeria.
