The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), in collaboration with the National Sport Commission, will host the National Junior Swimming Championships from April 22 to 25, 2025, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium’s Package B Swimming Complex.
Themed “Swim For Life,” the event aims to inspire young swimmers aged 8 to 14 from states, clubs, and academies across Nigeria and the diaspora.
From April 23 to 25, athletes will compete in a World Aquatics-certified 50-meter long course pool, showcasing their skills in freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, individual medley, and relays.
The championships will kick off with team arrivals and accreditation on April 22, followed by an opening ceremony on April 23, and conclude with a closing ceremony and medal presentations on April 25.
NAqF President, Chief Mrs. Chinonye Daphey Aliyu, emphasized the event’s broader mission: “This is more than a competition—it’s about promoting water safety, encouraging early swimming participation, and building a culture of excellence in aquatics. Every child should learn to swim as a life skill.”
The championships have attracted widespread participation, with teams from FCT, Lagos, Kaduna, Delta, Edo, Anambra, and academies like MakoSail, Laurel, Danaquaswim, and Ikoyi Club Swim Team, among others.
The event also serves as a talent scouting platform for the junior national team, with selected swimmers earning a chance to compete at the World Aquatics Junior World Cup in Romania later this year.
To support participants, the NAqF will provide complimentary accommodation at the athletes’ hostel and meals throughout the event. The federation invites families, coaches, and sports enthusiasts to attend and support this milestone event, which aims to foster grassroots development and elevate swimming in Nigeria.