The Aquatics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is actively pursuing a strategic initiative to identify and nurture young swimming talents across the nation. This initiative is being spearheaded by AFN President Chinoye Daphey-Aliyu, who has outlined plans to select promising swimmers from the 2025 National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State. The Games served as a fertile ground for spotting emerging talents, with swimmers from Lagos, Bayelsa, and Delta States showcasing their impressive skills. Daphey-Aliyu emphasized the importance of the Youth Games in the AFN’s broader strategy of developing young athletes, echoing President Tinubu’s call to prioritize youth development in sports.
The AFN’s commitment to nurturing young talent is driven by a packed calendar of international youth swimming championships. The recent success of Abduljabar Adama, who became the first Nigerian swimmer to win a medal at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Romania, has further fueled the AFN’s confidence in its youth development program. Adama’s achievement underscores the potential of Nigerian swimmers on the global stage and provides inspiration for aspiring athletes. Daphey-Aliyu sees the National Youth Games as a crucial stepping stone for identifying and preparing future champions.
Building on Adama’s success, the AFN is gearing up for a series of junior and senior-level championships in Ghana, Angola, and Saudi Arabia. Daphey-Aliyu reiterated the federation’s commitment to providing the selected swimmers with adequate training and preparation for these upcoming tournaments. The identified athletes from the Asaba Games will be invited to a training camp ahead of the Ghana championship in October. This strategic approach aims to ensure that Nigerian swimmers are well-equipped to compete at the highest level and continue to make their mark on the international stage.
The 2025 National Youth Games proved to be a resounding success for Lagos State, whose swimmers dominated the competition, amassing an impressive haul of 19 gold and 4 silver medals. This dominant performance highlights the strength of Lagos State’s swimming program and its ability to produce top-tier athletes. The success of Lagos State swimmers further underscores the importance of events like the National Youth Games in providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities and gain valuable competitive experience.
The AFN’s focus on youth development is a crucial part of its long-term strategy to elevate Nigerian swimming to new heights. By identifying and nurturing young talent, the federation aims to build a sustainable pipeline of elite swimmers who can represent Nigeria with distinction on the global stage. The success of Abduljabar Adama, coupled with the impressive performances at the National Youth Games, provides strong evidence that Nigerian swimming has a bright future.
The AFN, under the leadership of Chinoye Daphey-Aliyu, is demonstrating a clear commitment to investing in the future of Nigerian swimming. The federation’s proactive approach to talent identification, coupled with its dedication to providing athletes with the necessary training and support, sets the stage for continued success in international competitions. The upcoming championships in Ghana, Angola, and Saudi Arabia will provide further opportunities for Nigerian swimmers to showcase their talent and contribute to the growing legacy of Nigerian swimming.
