Sports
NAqF Charts Fresh Path for Swimming, Kicks Off First Inter-School Competition and Two Talent Hunt Programmes
By Joel Ajayi
The President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), Hon. Chamberlin Nnamdi Dunkwu, has assured that no swimmer in the country will remain idle this year, as the federation rolls out a comprehensive grassroots development plan aimed at talent identification, athlete development and podium success.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Dunkwu revealed that more than eight programmes have been lined up to ensure continuous engagement of swimmers nationwide, with three major grassroots initiatives forming the foundation of NAqF’s development roadmap for 2026.
The programmes include “Swim to the Future – Abuja,” scheduled for March 7, 2026; the 1st Inter-School Swimming Competition, Abuja, holding from March 25 to 27, 2026; and the National Junior Swimming Championship in Lagos, tagged “Swim for Life,” slated for April 2 to 4, 2026.
According to the NAqF President, the competitions are designed as a structured pathway from talent discovery to elite performance.
Dunkwu described the initiative as more than a series of events, noting that it represents a deliberate strategy to rebuild Nigerian aquatics from the grassroots upward.
He stressed that sustainable sporting success must be carefully planned, adequately funded and consistently nurtured, with schools and junior athletes forming the bedrock of long-term development.
He explained that the Inter-School Swimming Competition would serve as the backbone of grassroots growth by instilling discipline, teamwork and healthy competition, while the National Junior Swimming Championship would expose Nigeria’s best young swimmers to high-performance environments comparable to international standards.
The approach, he said, is designed to create a steady pipeline of talent rather than isolated success stories.
The NAqF President also drew inspiration from the achievements of Abduljabar Adama, the first Nigerian and first Black swimmer to win a medal at the World Aquatics Junior Championships, describing the feat as proof of Nigeria’s vast potential.
He added that as Adama transitions beyond junior eligibility, the federation is determined to ensure a new generation of swimmers emerges to sustain Nigeria’s global presence.
To strengthen implementation and funding of its programmes, NAqF announced the appointment of Thrive Resource as its marketing consultant.
The firm will spearhead the federation’s sponsorship and commercial drive, leveraging its strategic networks and experience across key sectors to attract credible long-term partners.
According to Dunkwu, Thrive Resource was selected based on its proven track record, extensive connections and alignment with NAqF’s ambition to build a sustainable and future-proof aquatics structure.
He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to grassroots development, strategic partnerships and global competitiveness, emphasising that swimming in Nigeria represents not just medals, but safety, health, opportunity and hope.
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
.
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