…As NAF Lauds CNS for Restoring Swimming’s Lost Glory
By Joel Ajayi
The 12th edition of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) National Swimming Championship is set to hold from July 15 to 19, 2025, at the state-of-the-art swimming complex of the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
The prestigious event will feature participants in both junior and senior categories, drawn from all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Athletes representing military and paramilitary agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Civil Defense, and Customs, among others, will also compete.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja, Chairman of the Nigerian Navy Swimming Association, Rear Admiral P.C. Nwatu, emphasized that the CNS Swimming Championship is a key initiative in promoting youth development nationwide.
“We are proud to be part of this tournament. At the Nigerian Navy, we see this competition as part of our corporate social responsibility. For nearly 15 years, we have remained committed to it, and we are looking forward to introducing more innovations to improve it,” he said.
Rear Admiral Nwatu noted that the championship serves as a platform for talented young athletes to showcase their abilities and avoid being sidelined due to lack of opportunities.
“This platform enables youth to demonstrate their skills and be nurtured to reach the podium,” he added.
President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Chief (Mrs.) Chinoye Daphey Aliyu, commended the Chief of Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy for their steadfast support in developing aquatic sports in Nigeria.
She noted that the championship is a vital talent discovery platform, with the potential to identify and groom swimmers for the national junior team ahead of the African Junior Championships.
“The CNS Championship remains a cornerstone of our strategy to scout, nurture, and prepare elite athletes who will represent Nigeria at key international events, including the Africa Youth Games, the World Aquatics Junior Championships in August, and other global competitions throughout 2025,” she stated.
Chief Aliyu also praised the Nigerian Navy for restoring the lost glory of swimming in Nigeria, celebrating the nation’s recent achievements on the international stage. She highlighted that Nigeria broke two African records in the 50m Butterfly and 50m Freestyle events at the 16th Africa Junior Swimming Championships held in Egypt. Team Nigeria clinched three gold medals and one bronze—an unprecedented feat in the nation’s swimming history.
She credited part of this success to the support of the Chief of Naval Staff, who deployed Lieutenant Commander Labake Oriretan—a former national champion and seasoned coach—to guide the national team during the competition.
The upcoming championship is expected to attract a wide range of participants, including representatives from states, swimming clubs, military and paramilitary bodies, and academic institutions. The Nigeria Aquatics Federation’s technical committee and national scouts will be on ground to evaluate performances and select exceptional swimmers for advanced training at the national camp.
Chief Aliyu concluded by calling on all stakeholders to support the championship, as Nigeria continues to rise in global aquatic sports.
