By Daily Sports Nigeria on December 1, 2025

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation has commended the National Sports Commission for its decision to construct Olympic-standard swimming pools for the next three hosts of the National Sports Festival, describing the move as a landmark step for the development of aquatics in Nigeria, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

NAqF president, Dunkwu Chamberlain, praised the NSC, noting that the new facilities, beginning with Enugu and followed by Bayelsa and other future host states, represent a “milestone achievement and a clear demonstration of the Commission’s renewed commitment to inclusive sports growth and excellence.”

Speaking on the longstanding challenges faced by aquatic sports in the country, Chamberlain emphasised that inadequate facilities had previously limited athlete preparation and participation.

He added that the NSC’s approval would enhance training environments, raise competition standards and encourage wider involvement in swimming and related disciplines.

Secretary of the federation, Taiwo Oriss, also described the initiative as a catalyst for long-term development.

“This is a strategic breakthrough for aquatics in Nigeria,” he said.

“With full implementation, this move will not only strengthen grassroots participation, but it will also put us on a clear path to achieving an Olympic-size swimming pool in every Nigerian state before 2050. It is a bold vision, and this decision brings us several steps closer.”

Chamberlain further highlighted that the facilities will provide a solid foundation for Nigeria’s ambitions in continental and global competitions, offering improved environments for young swimmers to develop their skills.

The federation reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the NSC and host states to ensure the pools meet international standards and contribute meaningfully to national sports excellence.

The praise followed the outcome from the 2025 National Council on Sports, held on Friday, November 28, at the Kashim Shettima Hall, State Library Complex in Calabar where the council approved international-standard swimming pools for the next three NSF hosts, confirmed Bayelsa in 2028 and Kaduna in 2030 as future venues, and established the National Intermediate Games for athletes aged 17–20.

The council also adopted strict age-cheating sanctions, expanded the Council’s membership to include major economic and institutional stakeholders, and reinforced the importance of athlete insurance across national competitions.

The NSC director general, Bukola Olopade, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to building a more accountable and opportunity-driven sports sector, with infrastructure developments such as the swimming pools at the forefront.

Source Punch Ng

Posted December 1, 2025

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