By Aderonke Ojo
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has unveiled a 15-member junior team for the 2026 Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Junior Swimming Championship, scheduled for Dakar, Senegal, from August 28 to 30, 2026.
The championship will bring together young swimmers from 32 countries, providing a strong international platform for the Nigerian contingent to test their abilities against some of the best junior swimmers across the continent.
The delegation comprises 11 female and four male swimmers, with the federation strategically using the championship as a testing and preparation ground for the selected junior team ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for October 30 to November 12.
The Dakar championship is part of a structured competition programme designed to expose the young swimmers to high-level competition while assessing their readiness for the Youth Olympic Games.
The team will depart Nigeria in batches, with some athletes scheduled to leave on Tuesday, August 25, while the final batches will depart on Wednesday and Thursday.
The 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, while Christopher Ezemegwalu will serve as coach.
Beyond the Dakar championship, the federation has mapped out a busy competition calendar for the junior swimmers, with the “Swim to the Future” competition scheduled for September providing another opportunity for the athletes to compete and sharpen their skills.
The athletes will then feature at the National Intermediate Games in October, giving them another important competitive platform ahead of the Youth Olympic Games.
The federation said the back-to-back competitions mean the athletes will be competing virtually every month from August through October, a strategy aimed at keeping them physically and mentally prepared while improving their confidence and competitive experience.
NAqF said the structured programme is expected to put the young swimmers in good shape and help produce a new generation capable of changing the face of swimming in Nigeria.
The federation believes continued exposure to quality international and domestic competitions will strengthen the junior team and position Nigeria for a strong showing at the Youth Olympic Games.
NAqF reaffirmed its commitment to developing young swimmers through sustained competition, strategic preparation and increased exposure, as it continues efforts to build a stronger and more competitive future for swimming in Nigeria.
