SPORT:Team Nigeria Makes Waves at Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championship

Team Nigeria Makes Waves at Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championship — Records Broken as Young Talents Shine.

Team Nigeria delivered a commanding performance at the 2025 Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championship, breaking multiple continental records and unveiling a wave of talented young swimmers who are redefining Nigeria’s presence on the African stage.

Competing against top athletes from across West and Central Africa, Nigeria’s swimmers put up an exceptional show — collecting medals, setting new benchmarks, and proving that the country’s investment in youth swimming is paying off.

Leading the Nigerian contingent was 14-year-old Aidan Dumuije-Abili, who turned the championship into a record-breaking spectacle. The teenage sensation set five new Africa Zone 2 records, winning six gold medals, one silver, and one bronze across multiple events. He was voted the most valuable junior athlete of the tournament.

Aidan’s performance in the 100m Freestyle — clocking 55.31 seconds and earning 610 points — stood among the best times of the entire competition. His consistency, speed, and technical mastery earned him the admiration of both teammates and rivals.

“Every medal means more when you’re representing your country,” Aidan said after his final race. “Breaking records is great, but making Nigeria proud is what matters most.”

Another emerging talent, 14-year-old Endurance Olise, announced his arrival in grand style. Competing in his first-ever Africa Zone 2 Championship, Endurance claimed a brace of gold medals, showcasing exceptional skill and determination.

His confident debut not only earned him podium finishes but also positioned him as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising swimmers to watch in future competitions.

One of the youngest swimmers at the championship, 12-year-old Maryam Muhammed, delivered a phenomenal performance that captured the hearts of fans and officials alike. Despite her age, Maryam competed fiercely in her individual races and also contributed to Nigeria’s team medals.

She left the championship with both individual and team medals, proving that age is no barrier to excellence. Her graceful technique and calm composure under pressure earned her praise from senior coaches, who described her as “a future star with immense potential.”

Nigeria’s Timilehin Olaya also had a stellar outing, winning three Gold medals to his name aside other silver, and bronze — across personal and team events. His crowning moment came in the long-distance category, where he set new championship records with his endurance-driven performance. He stands as Nigeria best Open water junior swimmer.

Olaya’s strength in the 800m and 1500m freestyle events established him as one of Nigeria’s premier distance swimmers and a reliable medal contender at regional competitions.

💥 Tofunmi Ibidapo, performance outclassed her mates as she picked Gold silver and bronze in both individual and personal events. 

Goodluck Godwin show his class and was selected for the Future wave training program where two promising swimmers were picked for 7 days training by the World Aquatics for future performance. Dorcas Oka, and Agnes John Impress

Nigeria’s medal charge was further bolstered by outstanding performances from several other swimmers who made their mark at the tournament.

Tofunmi Ibidapo showcased her consistency and competitive spirit, earning multiple medals in both individual and team events.

Goodluck Godwin impressed with his energetic swims and strong finishes, earning a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most improved athletes.

In the senior category, Dorcas Oka proved that Nigeria’s experienced swimmers still have the power to compete at the highest level, adding prestige to the country’s overall performance.

Team Nigeria finished among the top three nations in the Junior Division, collecting 30 medals — including 11 Gold, 5 Silver, and 14 Bronze — and holding their own against regional powerhouses Ghana and Senegal.

The Senior Team also made strong showings in individual events, ensuring Nigeria’s consistent presence on the medal table.

From Aidan’s record-breaking heroics to Maryam’s fearless debut, the 2025 Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championship was a celebration of Nigerian talent, discipline, and determination.

The young team’s performance signals a new dawn for Nigerian swimming — one built on hard work, structured development, and a growing confidence that the nation can stand tall among Africa’s aquatic elite.

“These results prove that our youth program is working,” said a coach  Abiodun Ojomo from Team Nigeria. “We’re not just participating anymore — we’re competing, breaking records, and building future champions.”

🇳🇬 Nigeria’s Key Highlights

🥇 30 Medals (11 Gold, 5 Silver, 14 Bronze) in the Junior Division

💥 Five new Africa Zone 2 records by Aidan Dumuije-Abili (14)

🏆 Endurance Olise (14) wins two gold medals on debut

🌟 Maryam Muhammed (12) earns both individual and team medals

⚡ Timilehin Olaya wins three medals and sets new long-distance records

🏅 Strong showings from Tofunmi Ibidapo, Goodluck Godwin, Dorcas Oka, and Agnes John

The leader of Delegation Taiwo Oriss thanked the leadership of the National sports Commission for their continued support and belief in the future of swimming in Nigeria creating the right platform for success and athletes development