The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has named a 15-member junior swimming team for the 2026 Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Junior Swimming Championship in Dakar, Senegal.
The competition is scheduled for August 28 to 30 and will also serve as part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Nigeria selects 11 female and four male swimmers
The Nigerian delegation is made up of 11 female swimmers and four male swimmers, all of whom will gain valuable international competition experience in Dakar.
The selected athletes 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 to lead the team
Christopher Ezemegwalu has been named as coach of the junior team and will oversee the swimmers during the championship.
Dakar event forms part of Youth Olympic preparations
NAqF is using the championship to assess the swimmers’ readiness ahead of the Youth Olympic Games, scheduled to run from October 30 to November 12.
The federation wants the athletes to gain more competitive exposure before the major international event.
More competitions planned after Dakar
The junior swimmers will continue their preparations after the Zone 2 Championship.
They are expected to compete in the Swim to the Future event in September and the National Intermediate Games in October.
Nigeria focused on junior swimming development
The federation believes regular participation in domestic and international competitions can improve the swimmers’ fitness, confidence, mental readiness and overall performance.
NAqF has also reaffirmed its commitment to investing in junior development and creating more opportunities for young Nigerian swimmers to compete at a higher level.
New generation targets international success
The Dakar championship represents another important step in Nigeria’s effort to build a stronger pipeline of young swimming talent.
With 15 athletes selected and more competitions planned before the Youth Olympic Games, the federation hopes this group can develop into a new generation capable of making an impact for Nigeria internationally.