The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s young swimmers, particularly 17-year-old Abduljabar Adama, who has been enlisted into the Commission’s Elite Program under the Elite Athletes and Podium board.
This development follows Adama’s impressive performance at the 16th Africa Junior Swimming Championships in Egypt, where he won three gold medals and a bronze.
According to a statement e-signed by Kola Daniel, Media Office of the Director General, NSC; Adama broke the championship record in the 50m butterfly and the African record in the 50m freestyle, also winning the 100m freestyle. Nigeria finished third overall behind South Africa and Egypt.
Olopade praised Adama’s achievements, stating that swimming is becoming a top sport where Nigeria can boast of medals at major international events. “I sleep better now knowing the quality we have in swimming. I see light at the end of the tunnel for swimming,” he said.
The NSC DG expressed confidence that Nigeria will be at the podium in the Olympics in 2028, thanks to the current crop of swimmers and the support of the Aquatic Federation, parents, and coaching crew.
The NSC DG announced financial incentives for the athletes and coaching crew, with Adama receiving N5 million and the remaining contingents getting N2 million each. Olopade commended the President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Chinonye Aliyu, and praised the parents of the young swimmers as national heroes.
The NSC DG assured the Aquatic Federation that the Commission will provide more funding and support for swimming, focusing on both current and future competitions, both locally and internationally.
, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence in Nigeria's young swimmers, particularly 17-year-old Abduljabar Adama, who has been enlisted into the Commission's Elite Program under the Elite Athletes and Podium board.){kind=link}