, has unveiled its 2026 programme, nationwide swimming competitions and development initiatives.){kind=link}
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAF), has unveiled its 2026 programme, outlining a packed calendar of nationwide swimming competitions and development initiatives targeting athletes across all age categories.
The federation’s President, Chinonye Daphey, said the programme reflects NAF’s renewed commitment to grassroots development, technical excellence and long-term athlete growth.
“The programmes also reflect technical excellence, athlete education and increased international competitiveness,” Daphey said.
She explained that the 2026 calendar integrates competitions, certification courses, and international engagements aimed at strengthening the capacity among athletes, coaches, and technical officials.
Activities will commence in January with a Coaches Training Programme in Lagos, designed to enhance technical capacity at both grassroots and elite levels.
“In February, attention shifts to the Second Niger Delta Games, holding from Feb. 20 to Feb. 27 in Benin City, where swimming will feature prominently as a key competitive sport,” Daphey said.
She noted that March would be particularly busy, beginning with the Swim to Future Championship for ages eight to 14 on March 7th in Abuja.
“This will be followed by the First Abuja Schools Swimming Championship for swimmers aged 15 and below, from March 25 to March 27,” she added.
Also scheduled for March is the First Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Under-16 Swimming Championship in Ilorin, with dates to be announced, alongside the First Quarter Board Meeting in Ilorin and the South-East Regional Swimming Championship in Awka.
According to Daphey, Abuja will also host the North-Central Technical Officials and Coaches Certification Course. The month will conclude with the Abuja Swim Gala for ages 14 and below on March 28.
She said Lagos would host the Swim for Life National Swimming Championship for ages 16 and below from April 2nd – 4th, bringing together young swimming talents from across the country.
Major continental competitions are scheduled for May, including the Africa Aquatics Combined 2026 Swimming Championships, which will feature the 17th Senior and Junior Championships and the maiden Africa Aquatics Inter-Zonal Championship.
Daphey added that the Second African Masters Swimming Championship would be held from May 5th – 10th in Accra, Ghana, followed by the Swimming Classics Invitational from May 28th – 31, with the venue yet to be announced.
“May will also feature the National Junior and Senior Championship President’s Cup and the Nigerian Universities Championship in Abuja,” she said.
Development and governance activities will dominate June, beginning with certification courses in Enugu and the Second Quarter Board Meeting in Calabar.
“Abuja will host the Secondary School Championship finals, Athlete Education Programme and Swim Gala on June 27,” Daphey said, adding that National Swimming Championships would also be held in Abuja and Lagos during the month.
She said July would feature certification courses in Kaduna and the 13th CNS National Championships in Port Harcourt, while Nigeria would also participate in the 2026 Commonwealth Games from July 23rd to August 2nd in Glasgow.
In August, Lagos is set to host the National Swimming Intermediate Games for under-17 swimmers.
September activities include the 10th National Youth Games in Asaba, the Third Quarter Board Meeting in Abuja, the Under-15 Age Group Championship in Kaduna and the Abuja Swim Gala on September 26th.
Daphey said the South-South certification course would hold in Calabar in October, alongside Nigeria’s participation in the Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Junior and Senior Championships in Dakar, Senegal.
“In November, Abuja will host the National Girl-Child Swimming Championship on November 11th,” she said.
She added that Nigeria would compete at the 4th Youth Olympic Games from November 1st – 13th in Dakar, while the month would also feature the Inter-Secondary Schools Finals in Asaba and the National Sports Festival in Enugu.
According to Daphey, the calendar will conclude in December with the National Senior Championship in Port Harcourt and Nigeria’s participation in the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) from December 1st – 6th in Beijing.
“The year ends with the Abuja Swim Gala on December 5th and the Fourth Quarter Board Meeting on December 15th,” she concluded.