Fatodu hails Nigeria's Commonwealth swimmers
Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) President, Hon. Lekan Fatodu, has welcomed Nigeria's swimming team home following their campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, applauding the athletes for their resilience, commitment and commendable performances on the international stage.
Fatodu singled out Abduljabar Adama for special recognition after the young swimmer delivered one of Nigeria's finest performances at the Games. Adama reached the final of the men's 50m butterfly event and finished fifth, a remarkable achievement that underscores the steady progress of Nigerian swimming on the global stage.
The federation president also praised Clinton Opute, Collins Ebinga and Dorcas Oka for their courage, discipline and professionalism throughout the competition, noting that they represented Nigeria with pride and distinction.
Welcoming the team home, Fatodu said the athletes had made the nation proud through their determination and competitive spirit.
"On behalf of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, I warmly welcome our athletes home after a memorable outing at the Commonwealth Games. You have represented Nigeria with honour, determination and dignity. Your performances have demonstrated that Nigerian swimming is steadily closing the gap with the world's best, and the entire nation is proud of your achievements," he said.
Speaking on Adama's impressive outing, Fatodu described the swimmer as a symbol of the immense potential within Nigerian aquatics.
"Abduljabar's outstanding fifth-place finish in the men's 50m butterfly final is a milestone for Nigerian swimming. His courage, confidence and competitive spirit have inspired a new generation of swimmers. We celebrate his achievement and remain committed to providing the support needed for him and other talented athletes to reach even greater heights," he added.
Looking ahead, the NAqF president shifted focus to the Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championship scheduled to take place in Senegal from August 26 to 28, where Nigeria will compete with both its junior and senior teams.
Fatodu called on the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, to sustain its support for the federation's grassroots development initiatives as it works to strengthen the country's swimming programme.
"As we prepare to travel to Senegal for the Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championship, we are committed to developing young talents and reclaiming the dominance that Nigerian swimming enjoyed in West Africa over the past two years. We call on the leadership of the National Sports Commission to continue supporting the federation in its efforts to strengthen grassroots development and build a sustainable future for aquatics in Nigeria," he stated.
He noted that the regional championship presents another platform for emerging Nigerian swimmers to showcase their talents and reinforce the country's growing reputation in African aquatics.
Fatodu also expressed appreciation to the National Sports Commission for its unwavering support, particularly in providing quality competition kits and logistical assistance that enabled Team Nigeria to compete confidently at the Commonwealth Games.
"We sincerely appreciate the National Sports Commission for its unwavering support and for providing world-class kits and other resources that enabled our athletes to compete confidently on the international stage. Such support is vital as we continue to nurture talents and raise the profile of Nigerian aquatics globally," he said.
He reaffirmed the federation's commitment to expanding grassroots programmes, strengthening high-performance structures and creating more opportunities for Nigerian swimmers to excel at both continental and global competitions.
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