Nigeria Aquatics Federation hails swimmers after historic 35-medal haul at Africa Zone 2 Championships

Nigeria Aquatics Federation hails swimmers after historic 35-medal haul at Africa Zone 2 Championships

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has congratulated Team Nigeria’s junior and senior swimmers following their outstanding performance at the Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championships in Dakar, Senegal, where the country won a total of 35 medals.

Nigeria finished the championship with 17 gold, 14 silver and four bronze medals from individual and relay events, marking one of the country’s most successful outings at the continental zonal competition in over a decade.

The federation described the performance as a major milestone for Nigerian aquatics, noting that such a medal haul had not been achieved in more than 10 years of Nigeria’s participation at the Africa Zonal Swimming Championships.

President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Hon. Lekan Fatodu, commended the swimmers, coaches and technical officials for their dedication, discipline and determination throughout the championship.

Fatodu said the impressive performance reflects the growing progress of swimming development in Nigeria and demonstrates that the strategic reforms and renewed commitment to sports development under the leadership of the National Sports Commission are beginning to produce positive results.

He specifically acknowledged the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their support and commitment to repositioning Nigerian sports.

According to the NAqF President, the leadership and vision of the National Sports Commission have created renewed confidence among athletes and sports federations, with increased emphasis on grassroots development, athlete welfare and elite performance.

“The performance of our swimmers in Dakar is a thing of great pride for Nigeria. Winning 35 medals, including 17 gold medals, is a significant achievement and one that shows the commitment and hard work of our athletes, coaches and the entire technical crew,” Fatodu said.

“We sincerely appreciate the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their leadership, encouragement and commitment to creating an enabling environment for Nigerian athletes and sports federations to succeed.

“This achievement further demonstrates that the new direction and strategic vision of the National Sports Commission are yielding positive results across different sports.”

Fatodu particularly praised the junior swimmers for their remarkable showing, describing their performance as encouraging ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games scheduled to hold in Dakar, Senegal, from October 30 to November 13.

He said the championship has provided a strong platform for the federation to assess the progress of its young athletes and intensify preparations for future international competitions.

The NAqF President assured that the federation would continue to strengthen its developmental programmes, improve athlete preparation and provide greater opportunities for swimmers to compete at the highest level.

He expressed confidence that the momentum generated from the Africa Zone 2 Championships would serve as a major boost to Nigeria's preparations for the Youth Olympic Games and other upcoming international competitions.

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation reaffirmed its commitment to building a strong pipeline of athletes capable of restoring Nigeria to a prominent position in African and global aquatics.

The federation also congratulated all members of Team Nigeria and the Board to remain focused as continue preparations for future international assignments.

Signed:

Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Media and Communication

Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF)