The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, has announced the staging of the National Junior Swimming Championships themed “Swim For Life”, set to take place from April 22nd to 25th, 2025, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Package B Swimming Complex, Abuja.
This milestone event aims to nurture and showcase the next generation of swimming talent in Nigeria, welcoming young athletes aged 8 to 14 from across the nation and beyond. Participants from states, clubs, and swim academies will compete in a range of swimming disciplines including freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, individual medley, and relays—on a world-class, 50-meter long course certified by World Aquatics.
Speaking ahead of the event, Chief Mrs. Chinonye Daphey Aliyu, President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, emphasized the importance of the championship:
“This championship is more than just a sporting event—it’s a movement aimed at promoting water safety, encouraging early participation in swimming, and building a culture of excellence in aquatic sports. We believe every child should learn to swim, not only for competition but as a life skill. ‘Swim For Life’ embodies that mission.”
The championship will kick off with team arrivals and accreditation on April 22nd, followed by the Opening Ceremony on April 23rd, and will wrap up with a Closing Ceremony and medal presentation on April 25th.
In a show of strong support, all registered participants will be provided with free accommodation and meals courtesy of the Federation. The event has drawn wide participation from both local and diaspora-based swim academies and teams, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for aquatic sports in Nigeria.
Confirmed participating teams include:
- FCT
- Lagos State
- Kaduna State
- Delta State
- Edo State
- Anambra State
- MakoSail Swimming Academy
- Laurel Swimming Academy
- Danaquaswim Academy
- DE_BEBE Swimming Academy
- Easy Swim Academy
- Swim Dolphin
- ICARE Ace Academy
- Even Swim Academy
- Bokun Aquatics
- ALLFOI Swimmers
- Swimkay Academy
- Just Swim Academy Ltd
- Lakeland School Abuja
- Hydroracers
- Ikoyi Club Swim Team Lagos
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation extends an open invitation to families, coaches, sports lovers, and stakeholders to attend and support this historic championship.
Beyond medals, the event will serve as a talent discovery platform, with potential selection into the national junior team ahead of the World Aquatics Junior World Cup in Romania later this year. It also underscores NAqF’s commitment to grassroots development and long-term swimming excellence in Nigeria.
The Federation calls on all stakeholders to collaborate and support this initiative, as Nigeria continues to chart a bold course in the global aquatics arena.
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