By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
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 in Dakar, Senegal, from August 28 to 30.
The championship is expected to attract young swimmers from 32 countries, providing the Nigerian team with an opportunity to gain valuable international experience and compete against some of the continent’s leading junior swimmers.
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 the swimmers, allowing the federation to evaluate their readiness for the Youth Olympic Games while exposing them to high-level competition.
The team will depart Nigeria in batches, with some athletes scheduled to leave on Tuesday, August 25, while the remaining swimmers are expected to 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.
The federation has also lined up a series of competitions to keep the junior swimmers active and competitive in the months leading to the Youth Olympic Games.
The “Swim to the Future” competition is scheduled for September, while the athletes are expected to participate in the National Intermediate Games in October.
According to NAqF, the competition schedule means the swimmers will be actively competing almost every month from August through October, a strategy designed to enhance their physical and mental preparedness, confidence and competitive experience.
The federation said sustained exposure to quality domestic and international competitions would help develop the athletes and nurture a new generation of swimmers capable of transforming the sport in Nigeria.
NAqF reaffirmed its commitment to junior swimming development through sustained competition, strategic preparation and increased international exposure, with the ultimate goal of building a stronger and more competitive Nigerian swimming team.
