By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has named 35 swimming coaches to participate in the IOC Solidarity Swimming Coaches Course, scheduled for September 15–20, 2026, in Lagos.
The five-day coaching programme is being organised under the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Olympic Solidarity programme, in collaboration with the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Nigeria Aquatics Federation.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s swimming coaching structure by equipping coaches with modern technical knowledge and expertise, while addressing identified gaps in coaching development across the country.
The Federation said the programme aligns with the development vision of the National Sports Commission and the strategic direction of the NAqF leadership under President Lekan Fatodu, particularly in the areas of human-capital development, athlete progression and the discovery of future aquatic stars.
The 35 coaches selected for the course comprise 12 female and 23 male coaches, representing different parts of the country.
Among the selected female coaches are Ifiezigbe Gagbe, Vero Ndakwe, Binyenbo Olulu, Iwajomo Justina Temidayo, Joy Tonjor, Labake Oriretan, Omowanle Ilemobayo, Rachel Tonjor, Kate George, Faith Edorodion and Francisca Ewomazino Efomah, alongside Coach Mary.
The male contingent includes Digha Baraghawei, Eric Williams, Titi Badmus, Abiodun Omoyele, Japhet Joseph, Chuka Okere, Obugo Cyprian Nnamdi, Poland Benazimo, Abdulkadir Mahamud, Samuel Jesimiel, Adeyinka Adeyemi, Jimi Adebanwo, Tosan Christopher, Ifeakachukwu Nmor, James Bello, Barakumo Loya, Christopher Ezemegwalu, Samson Opuakpo, Yellow Yeiyah, Ojomo Abiodun, Tari Jasper, Ariyo Omowanle and POPTI Ajimosu Idowu.
The NAqF leadership believes that investing in coaches is essential to building a sustainable pathway for Nigerian swimmers, from grassroots development to elite and international competition.
The Federation also expects participants to transfer the knowledge and techniques acquired during the course to other coaches and swimming programmes across the country, thereby widening the impact of the IOC Solidarity initiative.
The programme further underscores the importance of collaboration between the IOC, NOC and NAqF in developing Nigeria’s aquatic sports and building the technical capacity required to improve the country’s performances on the international stage.
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation expressed appreciation to the IOC Olympic Solidarity programme and the Nigerian Olympic Committee for their support towards strengthening sports development in Nigeria.
