Nigerian swimmers primed for Africa junior title chase

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation has confirmed that two of its brightest young swimmers, Olaiya Timileyin and Daniel Udoh, will represent the country at the upcoming 2025 Junior Open Water Championships in Guinea Conakry, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The pair have been in an intensive training camp in Lagos since early November as part of preparations supervised by the federation under its president, Dukwu Chamberlain.

They are scheduled to depart Nigeria on Thursday for the championships, which will run from Friday to Sunday.

Chamberlain said the event forms a key part of Nigeria’s wider build-up to the Africa Youth Games taking place in Angola from December 10 to 20.

He explained that exposing athletes to competitive action before the youth games is central to the federation’s long-term pathway for developing elite swimmers.

“Participation in competitive events ahead of the youth games reinforces our commitment to elite athlete development,” Chamberlain said.

“We believe that continental exposure sharpens competitive instincts and strengthens our performance outlook for future international engagements. These young swimmers have trained with focus and discipline, and they are ready to represent the country.”

He emphasised that open water competitions offer unique challenges that pool-based events do not, such as managing currents, maintaining rhythm in choppy waters and making tactical decisions in a less controlled environment.

He also noted that both swimmers have shown a strong sense of responsibility, professionalism and determination to excel at the continental level.

The athletes, the president said, will carry the country’s hopes “with pride, discipline and determination” as they continue their progression on the continental stage.

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