Excitement Soars on Day 3 of the 12th CNS National Swimming Championship in Asaba

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Asaba, Delta State – July 17, 2025

The third day of the 12th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) National Swimming Championship lit up the Stephen Keshi Stadium Swimming Arena with electric performances and crowd-pulling finishes as swimmers from across Nigeria battled for glory in a thrilling showcase of speed, strength, and resilience.

Delta State swimmers once again demonstrated their dominance in the pool, with standout performances from Akiyefa Timipamiere, who stormed to gold in the senior women’s 50m backstroke with a time of 34.28 seconds, and Clinton Opute, who impressed in the 400m freestyle men’s final, winning with a remarkable time of 4:37.90. Another crowd favorite, Chioma Kanu of Lagos, claimed victory in the senior women’s 50m freestyle, clocking 28.06 seconds to loud cheers from spectators.

One of the most gripping moments came in the 100m breaststroke for boys (13–15 years), where Tissa Precious of Edo edged out his closest rival by mere milliseconds, finishing at 1:20.06. He later added another gold to his name in the 50m butterfly boys’ category, showing exceptional form and earning himself a roaring ovation.

The relay events added to the day’s buzz, particularly the 4x100m mixed medley relay (15 years & under), where Delta’s team—led by Olise Endurance, Ebigide Success, Aniasaba Jennifer, and Opute Joshua—clinched gold with a commanding time of 5:20.77. They were also triumphant in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay, reinforcing their status as title contenders.

Young female sensation Oluwatofunmi Ibidapo continued her medal streak, sweeping gold in both the 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly girls’ events (13–15 years), clocking 1:11.68 and 34.75 seconds, respectively.

In a significant development off the pool, coaching certificates were officially awarded to participants of the Southeast coaching course recently held in Akwa, Anambra State. The certified coaches include Japhet Nwosu, Alozie Ikechukwu Emmanuel, Ejikeme Best, Adolphus Okere Ihechi, Obugo Cyprain, Jecinta Williams, and Onyebuchi Chukwuma. The initiative is part of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation’s efforts to build capacity and improve technical expertise at the grassroots.

As fans and athletes look ahead to Day 4, the excitement in Asaba shows no sign of slowing, with the championship not just producing elite performances but also inspiring the next generation of swimmers and coaches across the country.