Joel Ajayi

The atmosphere was electric on Day 3 of the 12th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) National Swimming Championship, as the Stephen Keshi Stadium Swimming Arena in Asaba hosted another thrilling day of fast-paced action and standout performances from Nigeria’s rising swimming talents.

Once again, Delta State swimmers underlined their dominance, with several gold-winning performances. Akiyefa Timipamiere shone in the senior women’s 50m backstroke, capturing gold with a time of 34.28 seconds, while Clinton Opute impressed in the men’s 400m freestyle, powering home in 4:37.90 to the delight of the home crowd.

The excitement continued with Chioma Kanu of Lagos State clinching gold in the senior women’s 50m freestyle, finishing in 28.06 seconds, a result that drew loud applause from the energetic crowd.

One of the day’s most gripping races came in the boys’ 100m breaststroke (13–15 years), where Tissa Precious of Edo State narrowly edged out his rival with a winning time of 1:20.06. He later doubled his gold tally by triumphing in the 50m butterfly in the same category, solidifying his status as one of the competition’s standout young stars.

Team spirit was on full display during the relay events, particularly the 4x100m mixed medley relay (15 & under), where Delta’s quartet—Olise Endurance, Ebigide Success, Aniasaba Jennifer, and Opute Joshua—secured gold with a time of 5:20.77. Delta also emerged victorious in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay, further reinforcing their credentials as strong title contenders.

Young sensation Oluwatofunmi Ibidapo continued her winning streak, taking gold in both the 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly girls’ (13–15 years) events with times of 1:11.68 and 34.75 seconds, respectively.

Off the pool deck, the championship also marked a milestone for swimming development in Nigeria, as coaching certificates were presented to participants of the Southeast Coaching Course held recently in Awka, Anambra State.

Honored were Japhet Nwosu, Alozie Ikechukwu Emmanuel, Ejikeme Best, Adolphus Okere Ihechi, Obugo Cyprain, Jecinta Williams, and Onyebuchi Chukwuma.

The certification reflects ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Aquatics Federation to strengthen grassroots coaching capacity and technical standards across the country.

As anticipation builds for Day 4, the championship continues to deliver a celebration of skill, teamwork, and national pride—fostering both elite performances and inspiring the next generation of Nigerian swimmers and coaches

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