By Ijeoma Okigbo
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has unveiled a 15-member junior team for the 2026 Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Junior Swimming Championship in Dakar, Senegal.
In a statement by Nonso Arinzechi, the media representative for the federation, the event is scheduled to hold from Friday, bringing together young swimmers from 32 countries across the continent.
The Nigerian contingent comprises 11 female and four male swimmers, with the federation using the competition to assess and prepare the athletes for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
The Olympic Games are scheduled to be held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 12, with the Dakar championship expected to provide Nigerian swimmers with valuable international exposure.
The swimmers are India Brown, Omolola Akinsanmi, Atinuke Alfred-Olajide, Boluwatife Alfred-Olajide, Oluwatofunmi Ibidapo, Aviva Hibbert and Kristabel Chisa Oldeide.
Others are 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 for the championship.
NAqF said the Dakar competition formed part of a structured programme designed to expose the junior swimmers to high-level competition and assess their readiness for the Youth Olympic Games.
Beyond the Zone 2 championship, the federation has scheduled the “Swim to the Future” competition for September, providing another platform for the swimmers to sharpen their skills.
The athletes will also compete at the National Intermediate Games in October as part of their preparation for the Youth Olympic Games.
The federation said the busy competition schedule would see the athletes competing almost every month from August through October while improving their mental state and confidence.
NAqF also reaffirmed its commitment to developing young swimmers through sustained competition, strategic preparation and increased exposure. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh