The African Invitational Swimming Championship is set to take place in Abuja from December 14 to 20, 2026, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium. The event will feature over 1,000 swimmers from 32 African countries, competing in about 32 events. The championship is organised in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is being held in collaboration with Africa Aquatics and the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA).
The championship aims to provide young athletes with an international platform to showcase their talents and gain competitive experience. The competition will feature male and female swimmers aged between 14 and 18 years. Organisers cite Tinubu’s youth development agenda as a key factor in the decision to hold the championship. The event is expected to promote youth empowerment, sporting development, and continental cooperation.
OSMA President, retired Major General Maikano Abdullahi, said the decision to organise the championship in honour of Tinubu was influenced by the President’s contributions to youth development. Abdullahi noted that the partnership would provide an opportunity for the organisers to work together to deliver the competition. The initiative has received support from the President, Vice-President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other stakeholders.
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 noted that the event was intended to honour the President while creating opportunities for young people to develop their sporting abilities and participate in international competitions.
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.
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 noted that the event was an opportunity to raise Nigeria’s profile in swimming and create a peaceful atmosphere for athletes and officials from participating countries.
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.
Key points
- The championship aims to promote youth empowerment, sporting development, and continental cooperation.
- Over 1,000 swimmers from 32 African countries will compete at the championship.
- The event is expected to promote swimming and encourage greater youth participation in aquatic sports in Nigeria.
