12th CNS National Swimming Championship Opens with Excitement in Asaba

Asaba, Nigeria – July 16, 2025

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The 12th edition of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) National Swimming Championship officially made waves on Wednesday in Asaba, Delta State, with a vibrant opening ceremony and thrilling contests that showcased Nigeria’s rising talent in aquatic sports.

Held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Swimming Arena, the event—postponed by a day to honour the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari—was formally declared open by top officials of the Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Aquatics Federation. The CNS, through this flagship national event, reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, sports development, and national unity.

 

“Swimming is synonymous with the Navy. It’s no accident that we are involved,” said Rear Admiral Y.S. Idris, Director of Sports, Nigerian Navy, who represented the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. “From discovering talent to keeping youth engaged and off the streets, this championship is building the nation through sports.”

Chief (Mrs.) Chinonye Daphey-Aliyu, President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation and a proud daughter of Delta State, expressed her joy at hosting the event in her home state and highlighted its strategic importance in preparing athletes for global competitions.

“We are identifying talent here to represent Nigeria internationally. The CNS has promised scholarships, and we’re preparing for key upcoming events like the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal (2026), the Romania Junior Championships, and the Singapore Senior Championships. The future of Nigerian swimming is bright.”

 

🌊 Day Two Highlights – Wednesday, July 16, 2025

The second day of competition brought electrifying performances across age groups and categories, as emerging stars continued to impress fans and scouts alike. Below are official results from Day Two:

400m Freestyle Boys (13–15 Years)

🥇 Olise Endurance (Delta) – 5:19.87

🥈 Miebi Kemede Kwero (Edo) – 5:44.62

🥉 Opute Joshua (Delta) – 5:46.03

 

100m Butterfly Men (Senior)

🥇 Olise Chukwunalu (Delta) – 59.61

🥈 Shedrack Simon (Aqua Swim) – 1:00.71

🥉 Bright Nathaniel (Imo) – 1:02.06

100m Butterfly Girls (13–15 Years)

🥇 Oluwatofunmi Ibidapo (Jimi Oshinowo) – 1:17.45

🥈 Aniasaba Jennifer (Delta) – 1:22.71

🥉 Obodo Gift (Bayelsa) – 1:26.46

50m Freestyle (Military Women – Senior)

🥇 Aduaye Blessing (Nigerian Army) – 31.29

🥈 Ifeoluwa Mary (Nigerian Army) – 32.93

🥉 Seaman Owei-Ere (Nigerian Navy) – 33.59

 

50m Freestyle (Military Men – Senior)

🥇 Tebesia Nemune (Nigerian Navy) – 25.50

🥈 Seleakpobo Israel (Nigerian Navy) – 26.40

🥉 Williams Gbekemiye (Nigerian Army) – 26.68

 

100m Breaststroke Women (Senior)

🥇 Oka Abeng (Aqua Swim) – 1:19.50

🥈 Emomotimi Konkememienyefa (Delta) – 1:21.53

🥉 Joy Kimiakighaperemoboere (Edo) – 1:22.93

 

100m Backstroke Boys (13–15 Years)

🥇 Olise Endurance (Delta) – 1:16.46

🥈 Fadami Oluwagbotemi (Oyo) – 1:27.06

🥉 Opute Joshua (Delta) – 1:27.81

 

100m Backstroke Girls (13–15 Years)

🥇 Oluwatofunmi Ibidapo (Jimi Oshinowo) – 1:28.67

🥈 Obodo Gift (Bayelsa) – 1:31.68

🥉 Newyear Gift (Delta) – 1:33.90

 

50m Butterfly Girls (12 & Under)

🥇 Odogbo Mirabel (Delta) – 43.66

🥈 Enueshike Joy (Delta) – 49.25

🥉 Momdu Farida (Edo) – 49.26

 

50m Butterfly Boys (12 & Under)

🥇 Moboluwaro Obajolowo (Harmony Aqua) – 33.90

🥈 Omoruyi Marvelous (Edo) – 42.50

🥉 Ebosereme Imafidon (Dynamic Swim) – 45.46

4x50m Mixed Medley Relay (Military)

🥇 Nigerian Army – 2:12.90

🥈 Nigerian Navy – 2:36.55

 

50m Breaststroke Men

🥇 Okuwedunwe Mathew (Delta) – 31.46

🥈 Friday Atausen (Rivers) – 31.50

🥉 Christian Obomanu (Edo) – 31.89

50m Backstroke Boys (12 & Under)

🥇 Moboluwaro Obajolowo (Harmony Aqua) – 40.87

🥈 Omoruyi Marvelous (Edo) – 49.40

🥉 Ebosereme Imafidon (Dynamic Swim) – 50.25

 

50m Backstroke Girls (12 & Under)

🥇 Odogbo Mirabel (Delta) – 47.53

🥈 Osasenaga Imasuen (Edo) – 49.56

🥉 Enueshike Joy (Delta) – 1:00.43

 

100m Backstroke Women (Senior)

🥇 Akiayefa Timipame-Ere (Delta) – 1:17.62

🥈 John Agnes (Aqua Swim) – 1:18.43

🥉 Emomotimi Konkememienyefa (Delta) – 1:27.37

 

100m Backstroke Men (Senior)

🥇 Otunla Kolade (Jimmy Oshinowo) – 1:04.43

🥈 Duke Eniyekemi (Delta) – 1:06.06

🥉 Dino Ebarakumo (Rivers) – 1:06.81

 

With Delta State athletes dominating many of the podium finishes, the home crowd had every reason to cheer. As the championship continues throughout the week, eyes remain fixed on emerging stars who may soon become Nigeria’s representatives at the global stage.

The 12th CNS National Swimming Championship remains a beacon of talent discovery, development, and unity—bringing together athletes from across the country in pursuit of excellence.