NAqF announces July date for 12th CNS Swimming championship

Posted : 15 May 2025

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) says preparations are in top gear for the 12th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Swimming Championship, slated for the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, from July 15 to July 19.

Chinoye Aliyu, President of the federation, said this in Abuja, adding that the tournament will help discover talents to represent the country.

“This championship is a cornerstone of our strategic plan to identify, nurture, and prepare elite athletes who will represent Nigeria at international events.

“Recently, Nigeria made history by breaking two African records in the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle events at the Africa Junior Swimming Championships earlier this month (May).

“It is against this backdrop that we encourage swimmers under 18 years of age to register, as the CNS tournament features both junior and senior (elite) categories.

“We are also expecting a wide range of swimmers—from tertiary institutions, the paramilitary, states, and clubs—to register and participate in the tournament.

“The federation’s technical committee and national scouts will be on ground to evaluate performances and select exceptional swimmers for advanced training,” Aliyu said.

The President also lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Navy and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, for his continued support and collaboration in discovering young talents in the sport.

“I want to particularly thank the Nigerian Navy for restoring the lost glory of swimming in Nigeria.

“As I mentioned earlier, we broke two records in Egypt, eventually clinching three gold and one bronze medal—an unprecedented feat in the nation’s swimming history.

“This was also made possible by the support of the CNS, who released to us Lt.-Cdr. Labake Oriretan, a former champion and seasoned coach, to guide the national team during the competition,” she said.

On his part, Rear Adm. Patrick Nwatu, Chairman of the Nigerian Navy Swimming Association, said the partnership has been worthwhile, emphasizing their continued support for the sport.

“We see supporting the NAqF as part of our corporate social responsibility to the nation.

“For almost 14 years now, the Nigerian Navy has been part of this endeavour, and we are constantly exploring ways to improve and contribute our quota.

“We will see how we can identify athletes capable of participating in international events and also encourage open water swimming.

“Over the years, the collaboration has been worthwhile, and we look forward to exploring other areas where we can support and partner in the future.

“The last edition was well attended, and we look forward to greater participation this year, where our youths can freely express themselves,” Nwatu added.

Also in attendance at the event were Rear Adm. Yusuf Idris, Director of Sports, Nigerian Navy; Taiwo Oriss, Secretary General of NAqF; Dauda Usman, Vice President of NAqF, among others.

NAqF announces July date for 12th CNS Swimming championship

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