Lagos, Jan 20, 2026 (NAN) The Nigeria Aquatics Federation on Tuesday unveiled its 2026 programme, featuring nationwide swimming competitions and development initiatives across all age categories.
Its President, Mrs Chinonye Daphey, said the calendar underscored the federation’s strong commitment to grassroots growth and long-term athlete development.
“The programmes also reflect technical excellence, athlete education and increased international competitiveness,” Daphey said.
She disclosed that certification courses and international engagements would run throughout the year as part of capacity-building efforts.
According to Daphey, activities begin in January with a Coaches Training Programme in Lagos to strengthen technical capacity at grassroots and elite levels.
“In February, attention shifts to the Second Niger Delta Games, holding from Feb. 20 to Feb. 27 in Benin City,” she said.
She noted that swimming would feature prominently as a key competitive sport at the regional games.
Daphey said activities intensify in March with the Swim to Future Championship for ages eight to 14 on March 7 in Abuja.
“This will be followed by the First Abuja Schools Swimming Championship for swimmers aged 15 and below, from March 25 to March 27,” she said.
She added that the First Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Under-16 Swimming Championship would also hold in Ilorin, with dates to be announced soon.
“The month will also host the First Quarter Board Meeting in Ilorin and the South-East Regional Swimming Championship in Awka,” Daphey said.
She said Abuja would host the North-Central Technical Officials and Coaches Certification Course, with dates yet to be confirmed.
“The month ends with the Abuja Swim Gala for ages 14 and below on March 28,” she added.
Daphey said Lagos would host the Swim for Life National Swimming Championship for ages 16 and below from April 2 to April 4.
According to her, the April championship would assemble promising young swimmers from across the country.
She said May would feature major competitions, including Africa Aquatics Combined 2026 Swimming Championships.
“This comprises the 17th Senior and Junior Championships and the first Africa Aquatics Inter-Zonal Championship,” she said.
Daphey said the Second African Masters Swimming Championship would hold from May 5 to May 10 in Accra, Ghana.
She added that the Swimming Classics Invitational would follow from May 28 to May 31, with venue to be announced.
“May will also feature the National Junior and Senior Championship President’s Cup and Nigerian Universities Championship in Abuja,” she said.
Daphey said development and governance activities would dominate June, starting with certification courses in Enugu.
She said the Second Quarter Board Meeting would hold in Calabar, with both dates yet to be fixed.
“Abuja will host the Secondary School Championship finals, Athlete Education Programme and Swim Gala on June 27,” she said.
She added that National Swimming Championships would also hold in Abuja and Lagos during the month.
“July will feature certification courses in Kaduna and the 13th CNS National Championships in Port Harcourt,” Daphey said.
She said Nigeria would also compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games from July 23 to Aug. 2 in Glasgow.
In August, Daphey said Lagos would host the National Swimming Intermediate Games for under-17 swimmers.
She said September activities include the 10th National Youth Games in Asaba and the Third Quarter Board Meeting in Abuja.
“The Under-15 Age Group Championship will hold in Kaduna, while the Abuja Swim Gala comes up on Sept. 26,” she said.
Daphey said the South-South certification course would hold in Calabar in October.
She added that Nigeria would attend the Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Junior and Senior Championships in Dakar, Senegal.
“In November, Abuja will host the National Girl-Child Swimming Championship on Nov. 11,” she said.
She added that Nigeria would participate in the 4th Youth Olympic Games from Nov. 1 to Nov. 13 in Dakar.
“The month also includes the Inter-Secondary Schools Finals in Asaba and the National Sports Festival in Enugu,” Daphey said.
She said the calendar would conclude in December with the National Senior Championship in Port Harcourt.
Daphey said Nigerian swimmers would compete at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) from Dec. 1 to Dec. 6 in Beijing.
“The year ends with the Abuja Swim Gala on Dec. 5 and the Fourth Quarter Board Meeting on Dec. 15,” she said. (NAN)
