Team Nigeria made a remarkable show at the 2025 Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championship in Accra, Ghana, setting a new six continental records in African swimming.
The team finished third behind host Ghana and Senegal with a cumulative 30 medals — comprising 11 gold, five silver, and 14 bronze.
Competing against elite athletes from West and Central Africa, Nigeria’s swimmers demonstrated exceptional talent and determination, clinching numerous medals and establishing new benchmarks, reaffirming the country’s ongoing investment in youth swimming.
The spotlight was firmly on 14-year-old Aidan Dumuije-Abili, whose outstanding performance turned the championship into a record-breaking event. Aidan set five new Africa Zone 2 records while winning six gold medals, one silver, and one bronze across various events. His time of 55.31 seconds in the 100m Freestyle earned him 610 points, making it one of the fastest times of the championship. After his final race, Aidan expressed his pride in representing Nigeria, stating, “Every medal means more when you’re representing your country. Breaking records is great, but making Nigeria proud is what matters most.”
Another budding star, 14-year-old Endurance Olise, made an impressive debut at the championship, bagging two gold medals and positioning himself as one of Nigeria’s rising talents with exceptional determination.
The youngest competitor, 12-year-old Maryam Muhammed, delivered a standout performance in her first championship appearance. Despite her age, Maryam proved her mettle, contributing not only to individual accolades but also aiding the team in securing medals. Her technique and composure drew praise from coaches, who hailed her as a future star.
Timilehin Olaya also had a spectacular outing, winning three gold medals alongside further silver and bronze medals. His impressive prowess in long-distance events established him as Nigeria’s best open water junior swimmer, setting new championship records in both the 800m and 1500m freestyle.
Furthermore, Tofunmi Ibidapo shone brightly, collecting gold, silver, and bronze medals across individual and team events, while Goodluck Godwin earned a spot in the Future Wave training programme, where two promising swimmers from across the continent will receive specialised training for a week.
Team Nigeria concluded the championship among the top three nations in the Junior Division, amassing a total of 30 medals — including 11 golds, 5 silvers, and 14 bronzes — effectively matching the performances of regional giants Ghana and Senegal. The senior team also delivered commendable results, ensuring Nigeria’s enduring presence on the medal table.
The 2025 Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championship was not just an event of competition, but a celebration of Nigeria’s vibrant swimming community, filled with talent, discipline, and determination. Coach Abiodun Ojomo remarked, “These results prove that our youth programme is working. We’re not just participating anymore — we’re competing, breaking records, and building future champions.”
With strong performances across the board, Team Nigeria can look forward with confidence as they continue to bolster their reputation on the African aquatic stage. The leader of the delegation, Taiwo Oriss, expressed gratitude for the support from the National Sports Commission, emphasising the positive impact of creating platforms for athlete development and success in Nigerian swimming.
