Team Nigeria made waves at the 2025 Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championships in Accra, Ghana, delivering a stunning performance that reaffirmed the country’s growing strength in youth swimming.
Competing against top athletes from West and Central Africa, the Nigerian contingent shattered several continental records, won dozens of medals, and introduced a new generation of aquatic stars to the African stage.
> “We have unveiled a wave of young swimmers who are changing Nigeria’s aquatic story across Africa,” said Mr. Taiwo Oriss, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Aquatic Federation (NAqF), in a statement issued Tuesday in Lagos.
The highlight of the championship was 14-year-old Aidan Dumuije-Abili, who stole the spotlight with five new Africa Zone 2 records. The teenage sensation bagged six gold medals, one silver, and one bronze — earning him the title of 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 revealed.
Aidan, reflecting on his record-breaking run, expressed his pride in representing the country.
> “Every medal means more when you’re representing your country. Breaking records is great, but making Nigeria proud matters most,” he said.
Other young swimmers also left their mark. Endurance Olise, also 14, made a brilliant debut with two gold medals, showcasing what Oriss described as “exceptional skill and determination.”
Maryam Muhammed, just 12 years old, competed with remarkable poise beyond her years.
> “In spite of her age, Maryam competed fiercely in her individual races and contributed to Nigeria’s team medals,” Oriss said, adding that her graceful technique earned praise from senior coaches who called her “a future star.”
Timilehin Olaya added three gold medals to Nigeria’s haul, dominating in long-distance events and setting new records in the process. Oriss hailed him as Nigeria’s top Open Water junior swimmer.
Tofunmi Ibidapo and Dorcas Oka also made notable contributions, collecting medals in both individual and relay events. Goodluck Godwin earned a special mention after being selected for the World Aquatics Future Wave Training Programme, along with another young swimmer, for advanced training.
> “Goodluck’s energetic swims and strong finishes earned him recognition as one of Nigeria’s most improved athletes,” Oriss said.
In total, Team Nigeria finished among the top three countries in the Junior Division, collecting 30 medals — including 11 gold, 5 silver, and 14 bronze — competing strongly against swimming powerhouses Ghana and Senegal.
The senior team also put in solid performances, maintaining Nigeria’s presence on the medal table and proving that experience still counts in the pool.
Coach Abiodun Ojomo commended the athletes and emphasized the impact of the youth development programme.
> “Our youth programme is working. We’re competing, breaking records, and building future champions,” he said.
Oriss, who led the Nigerian delegation, also extended appreciation to the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its continued support.
> “The NSC is creating the right platform for success and athlete development,” he added.
From dazzling debuts to record-breaking swims, Team Nigeria’s performance in Accra not only earned medals but also sent a strong message: the future of Nigerian swimming is bright, and it’s already making waves across Africa.
NAN
