35 Nigerian Swimming Coaches Set For IOC-Backed Capacity Building Course
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH
THE Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), in partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Olympic Solidarity programme and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), has selected 35 swimming coaches for a capacity-building course in Lagos.
The IOC Solidarity Swimming Coaches Course will run from 15 to 20 September 2026. It forms part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s swimming coaching structure and address gaps affecting the development of the sport.
Building a Stronger Coaching Workforce
According to a statement signed by Arinzechi Chukwunonso, Media and Communication Officer of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, the programme will expose the selected coaches to modern coaching knowledge, technical expertise and international best practices.
The training is expected to improve the ability of coaches to identify, develop and prepare swimmers from grassroots programmes through to elite competition.
The initiative also aligns with the development priorities of the National Sports Commission and the strategic direction of the current NAqF leadership, which places emphasis on capacity development, youth progression and talent discovery.
Investment in Coaches, Investment in Athletes
NAqF President Lekan Fatodu has repeatedly stressed the importance of investing in people as part of the federation’s long-term development strategy.
The federation believes a stronger coaching workforce will have a direct impact on athlete development and competitive performance.
It also expects the programme to help Nigeria produce swimmers capable of competing successfully at continental, Commonwealth, Olympic and world levels.
35 Coaches Selected
The 35 coaches selected for the programme comprise 12 women and 23 men from different parts of Nigeria.
The female participants are Coach Mary, Coach Ifiezigbe Gagbe, Coach Vero Ndakwe, Coach Binyenbo Olulu, Coach Iwajomo Justina Temidayo, Coach Joy Tonjor, Coach Labake Oriretan, Coach Omowanle Ilemobayo, Coach Rachel Tonjor, Coach Kate George, Coach Faith Edorodion and Coach Francisca Ewomazino Efomah.
The male participants are Coach Digha Baraghawei, Coach Eric Williams, Coach Titi Badmus, Coach Abiodun Omoyele, Coach Japhet Joseph, Coach Chuka Okere, Coach Obugo Cyprian Nnamdi, Coach Poland Benazimo, Coach Abdulkadir Mahamud, Coach Samuel Jesimiel, Coach Adeyinka Adeyemi, Coach Jimi Adebanwo, Coach Tosan Christopher, Coach Ifeakachukwu Nmor, Coach James Bello, Coach Barakumo Loya, Coach Christopher Ezemegwalu, Coach Samson Opuakpo, Coach Yellow Yeiyah, Coach Ojomo Abiodun, Coach Tari Jasper, Coach Ariyo Omowanle and Coach POPTI Ajimosu Idowu.
Taking Knowledge Beyond the Course
NAqF expressed confidence that the coaches will transfer the knowledge and experience gained from the IOC Solidarity programme to other members of the swimming community.
Such knowledge-sharing, the federation said, could expand the pool of qualified coaches and strengthen the pathway for developing Nigerian swimmers.
The federation also expressed appreciation to the IOC Olympic Solidarity programme and the Nigerian Olympic Committee for their continued support for sports development.
It said it expects the Lagos course to produce lasting benefits for Nigerian swimming and contribute to the development of the next generation of aquatic athletes.
