The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has released its 2026 programme, outlining a full year of swimming competitions, coaching courses, development initiatives, and international events. The calendar emphasizes grassroots development, athlete education, and Nigeria’s competitiveness in African and global aquatics.
The year kicks off in January with a coaches training programme in Lagos to strengthen technical capacity at all levels. February features swimming at the second Niger Delta Games in Benin from February 20 to 27. March will be busy with youth and regional competitions, including the Swim to Future Swimming Championship in Abuja for ages 8–14, the Abuja Schools Swimming Championship for U-15 swimmers, and the first South East Regional Swimming Championship in Awka.
April will host the Swim for Life National Championship in Lagos for U-16 swimmers, while May includes Nigeria’s participation in the Africa Aquatics Combined Championships in Ghana, alongside the National Junior and Senior Championships and the first Nigerian Universities Swimming Championship.
Mid-year events in June and July include certification courses for technical officials and coaches, multiple youth competitions, the national Secondary School Swimming Championship final, and the 13th CNS National Championships in Port Harcourt. Nigeria will also compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2.
The calendar continues with regional and national competitions through September to November, including the 10th National Youth Games in Asaba, the National Girl-Child Swimming Championship in Abuja, and the National Inter-Secondary School Swimming Finals. The year concludes in December with the National Senior Swimming Championship in Port Harcourt, the 18th World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Beijing, and the final Abuja Swim Gala.
NAqF highlighted that the 2026 schedule reflects its focus on discovering talent, improving coaching standards, and raising Nigeria’s profile in both continental and global aquatics competitions.
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