May 1, 2026
Press Release
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Media & Communications, Nigeria Aquatics Federation
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation has officially unveiled the national swimming team that will represent Nigeria at the 17th Africa Aquatics Championships scheduled to take place in Oran, Algeria, from May 5–10, 2026.
The Nigerian delegation consists of eight swimmers and two officials, who will compete against some of Africa’s top aquatic athletes in one of the continent’s premier swimming championships.
The federation expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, commitment, and readiness to proudly represent Nigeria on the continental stage.
Team Nigeria – Swimming Squad
Swimmers
- Ebingha Colins Obi
- Opute Clinton
- Ijomoni Ivan Anthony E. C.
- Oka Dorcas Abeng
- Alfred-Olajide Boluwatife A.
- Ibidapo Michelle Oluwatofunmi
- India Kate Brown
- Hibbert Aviva Sophie Olamma
Officials
- Loya Barakumo Goodluck — Coach
- Oriss Taiwo Dennis — Secretary General
Spotlight on Emerging Talent
Among the athletes selected for the championships is 16-year-old India Kate Brown, a UK-based swimmer representing Nigeria internationally.
Brown, who trains at the prestigious Mount Kelly Swim Academy, continues to emerge as one of Nigeria’s exciting young swimming prospects. She holds a personal best time of 2:22.01 in the 200m Butterfly and recently recorded 2:22.60, performances that place her among the swimmers to watch at the championships in Algeria.
Her selection into Team Nigeria highlights the federation’s growing commitment to talent development and international athlete integration.
Diaspora Athlete Initiative Driving Growth
The inclusion of diaspora-based athletes in the national team reflects the continued impact of the Invited Diaspora Athletes (IDA) Initiative introduced by the National Sports Commission.
The initiative, championed by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, aims to strengthen Nigerian sports by integrating Nigerian-born and Nigerian-descended athletes living abroad into the country’s high-performance sports system.
Officials believe the programme is already contributing positively to the development and competitiveness of Nigerian aquatics on the international stage.
Nigeria Ready for Continental Challenge
The Africa Aquatics Championships will feature elite swimmers from across the continent and serve as an important platform for athletes to compete at the highest African level while gaining valuable international experience.
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation stated that the team has undergone extensive preparation ahead of the competition and remains focused on delivering strong performances for the country.
The federation also reiterated its commitment to athlete development, technical growth, and building a stronger future for aquatic sports in Nigeria.
As Team Nigeria heads to Algeria, expectations remain high for another positive outing as the nation continues its steady rise in African aquatics.
