The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has selected 35 swimming coaches from across the country for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Solidarity Swimming Coaches Course scheduled to take place in Lagos from September 15 to 20, 2026.
Key Highlights
- Nigeria Aquatics Federation selects 35 coaches for the IOC Solidarity Swimming Coaches Course in Lagos.
- The training will run from September 15 to 20, 2026, under the IOC Olympic Solidarity programme.
- The course is organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Olympic Committee and NAqF.
- The programme will equip coaches with modern techniques and international best practices in swimming development.
- The 35 participants comprise 12 female and 23 male coaches from across Nigeria.
The capacity-building programme is being organised under the 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, coaching methods and international best practices required to develop athletes from grassroots to elite levels.
According to the federation, the programme forms part of its broader commitment to improving coaching standards, developing young athletes and creating a stronger pathway for the emergence of the next generation of Nigerian aquatic stars.
NAqF President, Lekan Fatodu, has consistently highlighted investment in human capacity as a key component of the Federation’s long-term development strategy.
The federation said improving the quality of the coaching workforce would contribute significantly to athlete development, competitive performance and Nigeria’s ability to produce swimmers capable of competing at continental, Commonwealth, Olympic and world championships.
The 35 coaches selected for the course comprise 12 female and 23 male coaches drawn from different parts of Nigeria.
Selected Female Coaches
1. Mary
2. Ifiezigbe Gagbe
3. Vero Ndakwe
4. Binyenbo Olulu
5. Iwajomo Justina Temidayo
6. Joy Tonjor
7. Labake Oriretan
8. Omowanle Ilemobayo
9. Rachel Tonjor
10. Kate George
11. Faith Edorodion
12. Francisca Ewomazino Efomah
Selected Male Coaches
13. Digha Baraghawei
14. Eric Williams
15. Titi Badmus
16. Abiodun Omoyele
17. Japhet Joseph
18. Chuka Okere
19. Obugo Cyprian Nnamdi
20. Poland Benazimo
21. Abdulkadir Mahamud
22. Samuel Jesimiel
23. Adeyinka Adeyemi
24. Jimi Adebanwo
25. Tosan Christopher
26. Ifeakachukwu Nmor
27. James Bello
28. Barakumo Loya
29. Christopher Ezemegwalu
30. Samson Opuakpo
31. Yellow Yeiyah
32. Ojomo Abiodun
33. Tari Jasper
34. Ariyo Omowanle
35. POPTI Ajimosu Idowu
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The federation expressed confidence that participants would transfer the knowledge and experience gained from the IOC Solidarity programme to other coaches and athletes within Nigeria’s swimming community.
It said the initiative would help expand the pool of qualified coaches and strengthen the overall development pathway for Nigerian swimmers.
NAqF also commended the IOC Olympic Solidarity programme and the Nigerian Olympic Committee for their continued support for sports development in Nigeria.
The federation expressed optimism that the Lagos course would produce lasting improvements in coaching quality and contribute to Nigeria’s quest for greater success in international aquatic competitions.
