Sports
Aquatics Federation: CNS Swimming Championship Key to Preparing Athletes for African Junior Tournament
By Joel Ajayi
President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Chief (Mrs.) Chinoye Daphey Aliyu, has affirmed that the 12th edition of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) National Swimming Championship in Asaba will play a crucial role in preparing top talents to represent Nigeria at the African Youth Championship scheduled to hold next year in Dakar, Senegal.
The 2025 edition of the CNS National Swimming Championship is slated to run from July 15 to 19 at the ultra-modern swimming complex in Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, Chief Aliyu commended the Chief of Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy for their steadfast dedication to the development of aquatic sports in the country. She emphasized that the championship would help discover and nurture promising young swimmers, particularly those under the age of 18, who will form the core of the junior national team.
“The CNS Championship remains a cornerstone of our strategy to scout, nurture, and prepare elite athletes who will represent Nigeria at key international events, including the Africa Youth Games, the World Aquatics Junior Championships in August, and other global competitions throughout 2025,” she stated.
Chief Aliyu further noted that the focus on junior swimmers is deliberate, as the competition serves as a critical platform for identifying future stars who can excel on the continental and global stage.
She also highlighted Nigeria’s recent international success, recalling that the country broke two African records in the 50m Butterfly and 50m Freestyle events at the 16th Africa Junior Swimming Championships in Egypt. Team Nigeria secured three gold medals and one bronze—an unprecedented achievement in the nation’s swimming history.
Aliyu credited part of the success to the Nigerian Navy’s support, particularly the deployment of Lieutenant Commander Labake Oriretan, a former national champion and experienced coach, to guide the national team during the tournament.
The forthcoming championship will attract swimmers from across the country, including state teams, swimming clubs, military and paramilitary organizations, and academic institutions. The Nigeria Aquatics Federation’s technical committee and national scouts will be on hand to evaluate performances and select outstanding athletes for further training at the national camp.
Chief Aliyu called on all stakeholders to continue supporting the initiative as Nigeria strives to maintain its rising profile in global aquatic sports.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Nigerian Navy Swimming Association, Rear Admiral P.C. Nwatu, emphasized that the CNS Swimming Championship is designed to promote youth development nationwide.
“We are proud to be part of this tournament. At the Nigerian Navy, we see this competition as part of our corporate social responsibility. For nearly 15 years, we have remained committed to it, and we are looking forward to introducing more innovations to improve it,” he said.
Rear Admiral Nwatu stressed that the championship provides a much-needed platform for young athletes to showcase their talent, build confidence, and progress in their sporting careers.
“This platform enables youth to demonstrate their skills and be nurtured to reach the podium,” he added.
Sports
Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.
Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.
The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.
Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”
“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.
“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”
In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.
“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.
“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”
The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.
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