Course to strengthen coaching capacity and raise standards in Nigerian swimming
Abuja, Nigeria — September 2026: The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has selected 35 of the country’s leading swimming coaches to participate in the IOC Solidarity Swimming Coaches Course, scheduled to hold from 15th to 20th September 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria.
The capacity-building programme is being organised through the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Olympic Solidarity programme, in collaboration with the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, as part of deliberate efforts to strengthen the coaching structure and close identified gaps in swimming development across the country.
The course represents another important step towards improving the quality of coaching in Nigeria, equipping coaches with modern knowledge, technical expertise and best practices required to nurture athletes from the grassroots to the elite level.
The initiative is also in line with the development-focused vision of the National Sports Commission and the strategic direction of the current leadership of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, which places strong emphasis on capacity development, youth progression and the discovery of the next generation of Nigerian aquatic stars.
The President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Lekan Fatodu, has consistently emphasised the importance of investing in people as a critical component of the Federation’s long-term development plans.
The Federation believes that strengthening the coaching workforce will have a direct impact on athlete development, competitive performance and Nigeria’s ability to produce swimmers capable of competing successfully at continental, Commonwealth, Olympic and world levels.
The 35 selected coaches comprise 12 female and 23 male coaches drawn from different parts of the country.
Selected Female Coaches
- Coach Mary
- Coach Ifiezigbe Gagbe
- Coach Vero Ndakwe
- Coach Binyenbo Olulu
- Coach Iwajomo Justina Temidayo
- Coach Joy Tonjor
- Coach Labake Oriretan
- Coach Omowanle Ilemobayo
- Coach Rachel Tonjor
- Coach Kate George
- Coach Faith Edorodion
- Coach Francisca Ewomazino Efomah
Selected Male Coaches
- Coach Digha Baraghawei
- Coach Eric Williams
- Coach Titi Badmus
- Coach Abiodun Omoyele
- Coach Japhet Joseph
- Coach Chuka Okere
- Coach Obugo Cyprian Nnamdi
- Coach Poland Benazimo
- Coach Abdulkadir Mahamud
- Coach Samuel Jesimiel
- Coach Adeyinka Adeyemi
- Coach Jimi Adebanwo
- Coach Tosan Christopher
- Coach Ifeakachukwu Nmor
- Coach James Bello
- Coach Barakumo Loya
- Coach Christopher Ezemegwalu
- Coach Samson Opuakpo
- Coach Yellow Yeiyah
- Coach Ojomo Abiodun
- Coach Tari Jasper
- Coach Ariyo Omowanle
- Coach POPTI Ajimosu Idowu
The Federation is confident that the knowledge and experience gained from the IOC Solidarity programme will be transferred across the wider swimming community, creating a stronger pool of qualified coaches and ultimately improving the development pathway for Nigerian swimmers.
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation appreciates the IOC Olympic Solidarity programme and the Nigerian Olympic Committee for their continued support towards sports development and looks forward to a successful and impactful course in Lagos.
