More than 1,000 swimmers from 32 African countries are expected in Abuja for the first African Invitational Swimming Championship, scheduled to hold from December 14 to 20, 2026, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.

The championship, organised in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is being organised in collaboration with Africa Aquatics, the continental governing body for aquatic sports, and the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA), with a focus on youth empowerment, sporting development and continental cooperation. Blueprint reports

The competition will feature male and female swimmers aged between 14 and 18 years, competing in about 32 events, as organisers seek to provide young athletes with an international platform to showcase their talents and gain competitive experience.

Organisers cite Tinubu’s youth development agenda

Speaking at a press conference, OSMA President, retired Major General Maikano Abdullahi, said the decision to organise the championship in honour of Tinubu was influenced by what he described as the President’s contributions to youth development.

Abdullahi said the partnership would provide an opportunity for the organisers to work together to deliver the competition, adding that the initiative had received support from the President, Vice-President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and other stakeholders.

Also speaking, the Director of Planning and Implementation, Godwin Tammy, said the championship was conceived in recognition of Tinubu’s role in Nigeria and across Africa, particularly in youth development.

Tammy said the event was intended to honour the President while creating opportunities for young people to develop their sporting abilities and participate in international competitions.

Africa Aquatics backs return of major swimming event to Abuja

The championship has the backing of Africa Aquatics and the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio serving as the African Project Ambassador.

The Vice-President of Africa Aquatics, Babatunde Fatayi-Williams, described the competition as an opportunity to showcase aquatic sports and renew international interest in swimming in Nigeria.

He recalled that Abuja last hosted a major international continental sporting event of this nature during the 2003 All-Africa Games, expressing optimism that the forthcoming championship would provide another opportunity to promote aquatic sports.

The event is also expected to strengthen collaboration between Nigeria’s aquatics authorities and the continental governing body while exposing young swimmers to competitive standards beyond their domestic environment.

Nigeria Aquatics assures on technical readiness

The Technical Director of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Nseobong Samuel Jesimiel, said preparations were underway to accommodate participating athletes and ensure the successful delivery of the championship.

Jesimiel described the event as an opportunity to raise Nigeria’s profile in swimming and create a peaceful atmosphere for athletes and officials from participating countries.

He said the technical team was ready to receive the competitors and deliver the competition, with support from the federation’s leadership and other partners.

Championship targets youth empowerment, continental cooperation

Beyond the competition for medals, the championship is expected to give emerging swimmers an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, gain international exposure and assess themselves against athletes from across Africa.

The participation of athletes from 32 countries is also expected to encourage exchanges among young swimmers, coaches and sports administrators, while strengthening sporting relationships between participating nations.

For Nigeria, the event presents an opportunity to promote swimming, encourage greater youth participation in aquatic sports and build interest in a discipline that requires sustained investment in facilities, coaching and athlete development.

With Abuja scheduled to host the week-long competition in December, the organisers are positioning the championship as both a sporting event and a platform for youth development, African cooperation and the promotion of aquatic sports across the continent.