In a significant development for Nigerian swimming, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade has announced the selection of rising star Abduljabar Adama for the NSC’s Elite Programme.
The selection was aimed at nurturing top athletes under the Elite Athletes and Podium board.
Olopade made the announcement during a reception for the victorious junior swimming team that recently participated in the Africa Junior Swimming Championship in Egypt, marking Nigeria’s best performance ever at the event.
Abduljabar, a 17-year-old swimmer, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s successful campaign at the championships, securing three gold medals and a bronze medal.
His outstanding performance included breaking the championship record in the 50m butterfly, setting a new African record in the 50m freestyle, and winning the 100m freestyle event.
Nigeria finished third overall in the competition, trailing behind South Africa and Egypt.
Olopade expressed optimism about the future of swimming in Nigeria, highlighting the potential for the country to secure medals at major international events.
“I am encouraged by the quality we have in swimming. I see a bright future ahead for our athletes. Swimming has not traditionally been viewed as a sport where Nigeria can excel on the Olympic stage, but that perception is changing,” he stated.
The former Ogun State commissioner of sports, according to a press statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kola Daniel, further noted the importance of the current crop of swimmers, the support from the Aquatic Federation, and the involvement of dedicated parents and coaching staff.
“With our current swimmers and the support we are implementing, I am confident that we will see our athletes on the podium at the 2028 Olympics,” the NSC’s boss stated.
He pledged commitment to increasing funding and supporting swimming, not only for the athletes who competed in Egypt but also for younger competitors in both domestic and international events.
Olapade further expressed gratitude to the President of the Nigeria Aquatic Federation, Chinonye Aliyu, and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the athletes’ parents, whom he referred to as national heroes.
In recognition of their achievements, Olopade announced financial incentives for the athletes and coaching staff who represented Nigeria in Egypt, including the sum of N5 million for Abduljabar and N2 million each for the remaining members of the team.
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