Nigeria to send young swimmers to 2025 junior open water championships in Guinea

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has announced that rising swimming talents Olaiya Timileyin and Daniel Udoh will represent the country at the 2025 Junior Open Water Championships in Guinea Conakry, Sport360NG reports.

The duo has been undergoing an intensive training program in Lagos since early November, overseen by federation president Dukwu Chamberlain, ahead of their departure on Thursday. The championships are scheduled to run from Friday to Sunday.

Chamberlain described the event as a critical step in Nigeria’s preparations for the Africa Youth Games, which will take place in Angola from December 10 to 20. He stressed that early exposure to continental competition is central to the federation’s strategy for developing elite swimmers.

“Participating in competitive events before the Youth Games underscores our commitment to nurturing top-level athletes,” Chamberlain said. “Continental exposure sharpens competitive instincts and enhances performance for future international competitions. Both swimmers have trained with focus and discipline, and they are ready to represent the country.”

Highlighting the unique demands of open water events, Chamberlain noted that such competitions test athletes in ways pool events do not, including managing currents, maintaining rhythm in choppy waters, and making tactical decisions under unpredictable conditions.

He praised Timileyin and Udoh for their professionalism, determination, and sense of responsibility, adding that they would carry Nigeria’s hopes “with pride, discipline and determination” as they continue to make their mark on the continental stage.