By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has unveiled a 15-member junior swimming team for the 2026 Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Junior Swimming Championship, scheduled to hold in Dakar, Senegal, from August 28 to 30.
The Nigerian contingent, comprising 11 female and four male swimmers, will compete alongside young athletes from 32 countries as the federation intensifies preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, billed for October 30 to November 12.
The Dakar championship is expected to provide the Nigerian swimmers with valuable international exposure and a strong test of their readiness for the Youth Olympic Games, while also allowing the federation to assess their progress against some of the continent’s leading junior talents.
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, with Christopher Ezemegwalu serving as coach.
The team is expected to depart Nigeria in batches, beginning Tuesday, August 25, with the remaining athletes scheduled to leave on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the competition.
Beyond Dakar, NAqF has mapped out a busy competitive programme for the junior swimmers. The “Swim to the Future” competition in September will provide another opportunity for the athletes to sharpen their skills, while the National Intermediate Games in October will offer further competition before the Youth Olympic Games.
According to the federation, the back-to-back competitions are designed to keep the swimmers active from August through October, helping them build physical fitness, mental strength, confidence and valuable competitive experience.
NAqF said the structured programme forms part of its broader strategy to expose young swimmers to quality international and domestic competition while laying the foundation for a new generation capable of taking Nigerian swimming to greater heights.
The federation reaffirmed its commitment to sustained grassroots development, strategic preparation and increased competition for junior athletes, with the ultimate goal of producing a stronger and more competitive Nigerian swimming team on the international stage.
