Nigeria Unveils 15-Man Junior Team For Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Championship

Nigeria Unveils 15-Man Junior Team For Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Championship

Sampson Adedeji 

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has unveiled a 15-member junior swimming team for the 2026 Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Junior Swimming Championship in Dakar, Senegal, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The championship is scheduled to take place from August 28 to 30, with the federation using the competition as part of its preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, billed for October 30 to November 12.

The Nigerian delegation comprises 11 female and four male swimmers, who will be exposed to high-level competition in Dakar as the federation assesses their readiness for the Youth Olympic Games.

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 delegation is expected to depart Nigeria in batches, with some swimmers leaving on Tuesday, August 25, while the remaining athletes are scheduled to travel on Wednesday and Thursday.

Following the Dakar championship, the junior swimmers will continue their preparations through a series of domestic competitions.

The “Swim to the Future” competition is scheduled for September, while the athletes will also participate in the National Intermediate Games in October.

According to the federation, the packed competition schedule is designed to ensure the swimmers remain active and gain valuable competitive experience in the months leading up to the Youth Olympic Games.

NAqF believes regular participation in international and domestic competitions will improve the swimmers’ physical and mental readiness, confidence and overall performance.

The federation also expressed optimism that sustained investment in junior development and exposure to quality competitions will help produce a new generation of Nigerian swimmers capable of making a significant impact on the international stage.

NAqF reaffirmed its commitment to developing young swimming talents through structured preparation, increased competition and strategic exposure as it works towards building a stronger future for swimming in Nigeria.