Fatodu Calls for Increased Support to Grow Swimming in Nigeria

Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers / Nigeria Aquatics Federation
Fatodu Calls for Increased Support to Grow Swimming in Nigeria
The President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Lekan Fatodu, has called for more support for swimming in Nigeria, warning that the high cost of the sport may limit opportunities for young talents.

Fatodu made the call in Lagos during the ongoing International Olympic Committee (IOC) Olympic Solidarity technical coaching course, an initiative aimed at raising coaching standards in the country.

According to him, developing swimming requires collective commitment.

“The fact remains that swimming is an expensive sport, and what we need is commitment from the government, the federation, parents and other stakeholders,” Fatodu said.

He noted that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would help attract sponsorship and create structured programmes for different categories of swimmers.

“With the right level of commitment and collaboration, we can attract sponsorship and develop programmes dedicated to different categories of swimmers,” he added.

Fatodu reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to grassroots development, saying the focus is on early talent identification and nurturing.

No fewer than 35 Nigerian coaches are participating in the six-day technical course, designed to improve technical knowledge and expand the nation’s swimming talent pool.

He expressed optimism that with sustained support, Nigeria’s recent success — including winning 35 medals (17 gold, 14 silver and 4 bronze) at the Africa Zone 2 Swimming Championships in Dakar, Senegal — can be built upon to take swimmers from grassroots to elite level.

Source: Punch Newspapers –