Nigeria Aquatics Federation, IOC Partner To Train 35 Swimming Coaches In Lagos

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), in collaboration 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 scheduled to hold from 15th to 20th September 2026 in Lagos.

The IOC Solidarity Swimming Coaches Course is part of deliberate efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s coaching structure and address identified gaps in swimming development across the country. The programme aims to equip coaches with modern knowledge, technical expertise, and best practices required to nurture athletes from grassroots to elite levels.

According to a statement signed by Arinzechi Chukwunonso, Media and Communication, Nigeria Aquatics Federation, the initiative aligns with the development-focused vision of the National Sports Commission and the strategic direction of the current NAqF leadership, which prioritises capacity development, youth progression, and the discovery of the next generation of Nigerian aquatic stars.

NAqF President Lekan Fatodu has consistently emphasised the importance of investing in people as a critical component of the Federation’s long-term development plans. The Federation believes that strengthening the coaching workforce will directly impact athlete development, competitive performance, and Nigeria’s ability to produce swimmers capable of competing successfully at continental, Commonwealth, Olympic, and world levels.

The 35 selected coaches comprise 12 female and 23 male coaches drawn from different parts of the country.

Selected Female Coaches:

1. Coach Mary
2. Coach Ifiezigbe Gagbe
3. Coach Vero Ndakwe
4. Coach Binyenbo Olulu
5. Coach Iwajomo Justina Temidayo
6. Coach Joy Tonjor
7. Coach Labake Oriretan
8. Coach Omowanle Ilemobayo
9. Coach Rachel Tonjor
10. Coach Kate George
11. Coach Faith Edorodion
12. Coach Francisca Ewomazino Efomah.

Selected Male Coaches:

13. Coach Digha Baraghawei
14. Coach Eric Williams
15. Coach Titi Badmus
16. Coach Abiodun Omoyele
17. Coach Japhet Joseph
18. Coach Chuka Okere
19. Coach Obugo Cyprian Nnamdi
20. Coach Poland Benazimo
21. Coach Abdulkadir Mahamud
22. Coach Samuel Jesimiel
23. Coach Adeyinka Adeyemi
24. Coach Jimi Adebanwo
25. Coach Tosan Christopher
26. Coach Ifeakachukwu Nmor
27. Coach James Bello
28. Coach Barakumo Loya
29. Coach Christopher Ezemegwalu
30. Coach Samson Opuakpo
31. Coach Yellow Yeiyah
32. Coach Ojomo Abiodun
33. Coach Tari Jasper
34. Coach Ariyo Omowanle
35. Coach POPTI Ajimosu Idowu

The Federation expressed confidence that the knowledge and experience gained from the IOC Solidarity programme will be transferred across the wider swimming community, creating a stronger pool of qualified coaches and ultimately improving the development pathway for Nigerian swimmers.

The NAqF appreciated the IOC Olympic Solidarity programme and the Nigerian Olympic Committee for their continued support towards sports development and looked forward to a successful and impactful course in Lagos.