35 Coaches Complete IOC/NOC Olympic Solidarity Aquatics Coaching Course

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has welcomed the successful completion of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)/Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Olympic Solidarity Level 1 and 2 Aquatics Technical Coaching Course in Lagos, describing the programme as a significant investment in the development of Nigerian coaches and the future of aquatics in the country.

The week-long programme commenced on September 15 at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex, Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos, and concluded on Saturday with 35 coaches drawn from different parts of Nigeria participating in intensive technical and practical sessions.

In a statement signed by Arinzechi Chukwunonso of NAqF Media and Communication, the federation said the capacity-building programme was designed to strengthen the technical competence of Nigerian aquatics coaches, expose them to modern coaching methods and enhance their ability to develop athletes from the grassroots to elite level.

Speaking at the end of the programme, President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Hon. Lekan Fatodu, commended the IOC, NOC, Olympic Solidarity programme and all stakeholders for supporting the initiative.

Fatodu said the training represented an important step towards building a stronger coaching structure for Nigerian aquatics.

“For us at the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, this programme is a clear investment in the future of Nigerian aquatics. The quality of our athletes is closely connected to the quality of the coaches who guide them. By exposing our coaches to modern techniques and international best practices, we are strengthening the foundation for sustainable success,” he said.

The NAqF President also praised the participating coaches for their commitment, describing their enthusiasm throughout the programme as encouraging.

“We are very encouraged by the commitment and willingness to learn demonstrated by the coaches. They have not only acquired new knowledge, but have also shown the readiness to take that knowledge back to their clubs, athletes and communities. That is how capacity building creates a lasting impact,” Fatodu said.

He expressed appreciation to NOC President, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, for his support for the programme, as well as the IOC Olympic Solidarity programme for facilitating the training.

Fatodu also acknowledged the leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening technical capacity across Nigerian sports.

“Our objective is to create a system where coaches have access to continuous learning, athletes receive quality training and Nigeria can produce competitors capable of challenging for podium positions at major international events. This programme has moved us another step closer to that objective, and we will continue to build on it,” he said.

The course facilitator, Mr. Cedric Finch of South Africa, had during the programme commended the participating coaches for their enthusiasm, openness and willingness to learn, while emphasising the importance of knowledge-sharing in advancing aquatics development.

NAqF Secretary General, Mr. Oriss Taiwo, said the programme aligns with the Federation’s commitment to strengthening the technical base of Nigerian aquatics and developing coaches capable of preparing athletes for major international competitions.

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation reaffirmed its commitment to sustained coach education, grassroots development and strategic partnerships that will raise the standard of aquatics in Nigeria and create a stronger pathway towards international success.