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The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has unveiled a 15-member junior team for the 2026 Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Junior Swimming Championships, which will take place in Dakar, Senegal from August 28-30.
Arinzechi Chukwunonso, Head of Media and Communications, Aquatics Federation of Nigeria, disclosed this in a statement released on August 24, 2026, saying the championship will be part of the federation’s structured preparation for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
The delegation includes 11 female swimmers and four male swimmers, with the federation using the Dakar competition to expose athletes to high-level competition while assessing their preparation for the Youth Olympic Games scheduled for October 30 to November 12.
The championship is expected to give the young swimmers valuable international experience and provide the technical team with the opportunity to evaluate their strengths, identify areas that need improvement and measure their progress against athletes from other countries in the area.
15 swimmers selected for the Dakar championship
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.
The delegation consists of 11 female swimmers and four male swimmers, reflecting the federation’s focus on providing promising young athletes with the opportunity to compete at an international level.
Christopher Ezemegwalu will serve as the team’s coach during the competition in Dakar.
The team will leave Nigeria in batches, with some members scheduled to travel on Tuesday, August 25, while the final batches are expected to depart on Wednesday and Thursday.
The racing program continues after Dakar
The Zone 2 Junior Swimming Championships is just the first stop in an intense competition program designed by NAqF for young swimmers.
The federation has scheduled the “Swim to the Future” competition for September, offering athletes another opportunity to compete, evaluate their performances and hone their skills.
The swimmers will then participate in the National Intermediate Games in October, giving them another competitive platform just before the Youth Olympic Games.
NAqF said back-to-back competitions would ensure athletes compete virtually every month from August to October.
Focus on the Youth Olympic Games
The federation said the competition program was designed to keep swimmers physically and mentally prepared, while improving their confidence and competitive experience.
The athletes’ performances in the competitions will also provide the federation and technical team with useful information as they continue preparations for the Youth Olympic Games.
NAqF believes that regular exposure to high-quality competition will help swimmers feel more comfortable competing under pressure and improve their ability to perform against stronger opponents.
NAqF is aimed at the next generation of swimmers
The federation said the structured program is part of its broader commitment to develop a new generation of Nigerian swimmers capable of changing the face of swimming in the country.
According to the federation, prolonged participation in national and international competitions will help develop athletes’ technical skills, resilience and confidence.
NAqF expressed confidence that continued exposure to quality competitions would strengthen the junior team and position Nigeria for a strong performance at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
The federation has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of young swimmers through sustained competition, strategic preparation and increased visibility as it works to build a stronger and more competitive future for swimming in Nigeria.
