Team Nigeria delivered a commanding performance at the 2025 Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championship held in Accra, Ghana.
The team broke multiple continental records during the cadet swimmers’ event, confirming Nigeria’s growing strength in youth swimming.
The Secretary-General of the Nigeria Aquatic Federation (NAqF), Mr Taiwo Oriss, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said the performance marked a new era for Nigerian swimming, with several emerging talents redefining the nation’s presence on the African stage.
“We have unveiled a wave of young swimmers who are changing Nigeria’s aquatic story across Africa,” Oriss said.
He explained that Nigeria competed against top athletes from West and Central Africa, collecting medals and setting new championship records.
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“This achievement proves that the country’s investment in youth swimming is yielding impressive results,” he added.
Oriss highlighted 14-year-old Aidan Dumuije-Abili, who turned the championship into a record-breaking spectacle.
The teenage sensation set five new Africa Zone 2 records, winning six gold medals, one silver, and one bronze.
He was also voted the Most Valuable Junior Athlete of the tournament.
“Aidan’s 100m Freestyle time of 55.31 seconds, earning 610 points, ranked among the best in the competition,” Oriss said.
He described Aidan’s consistency, speed, and technical mastery as outstanding qualities that inspired teammates and competitors.
Speaking after his triumph, Aidan said representing Nigeria meant everything to him.
“Every medal means more when you’re representing your country. Breaking records is great, but making Nigeria proud matters most,” he said.
Oriss also praised 14-year-old Endurance Olise, who made a remarkable debut at the championship.
“Competing for the first time, Endurance claimed two gold medals, showing exceptional skill and determination,” he said.
He added that Olise’s confident performance positioned him as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising swimmers to watch.
Oriss also celebrated 12-year-old Maryam Muhammed, one of the youngest competitors, for her inspiring performance.
“In spite of her age, Maryam competed fiercely in her individual races and contributed to Nigeria’s team medals,” he said.
He added that Maryam’s calm composure and graceful technique earned praise from senior coaches who called her a future star.
Timilehin Olaya also impressed, winning three gold medals alongside several silver and bronze medals in personal and team events.
His highlight came in the long-distance category, where he set new championship records with endurance-driven performances.
Oriss described Olaya as Nigeria’s best Open Water junior swimmer and a reliable contender in regional competitions.
He further commended Tofunmi Ibidapo for winning gold, silver, and bronze medals in both individual and team events.
He said Goodluck Godwin also stood out and was selected for the World Aquatics Future Wave Training Programme.
“Two promising swimmers, including Goodluck, were chosen for seven days of advanced training for future development,” Oriss said.
He noted that Dorcas Oka and Agnes John added to Nigeria’s medal charge with strong performances in their events.
Goodluck’s energetic swims and strong finishes earned him recognition as one of Nigeria’s most improved athletes.
“In the senior category, Dorcas Oka proved that Nigeria’s experienced swimmers still have the power to compete,” Oriss added.
Team Nigeria finished among the top three nations in the Junior Division with 30 medals.
The medals included 11 gold, five silver, and 14 bronze, as Nigeria held its own against Ghana and Senegal.
The senior team also performed strongly in individual events, maintaining Nigeria’s steady presence on the medal table.
NAN