Nigeria building elite swimmers

The Dolphin Swimming League has grown significantly into a thriving grassroots competition featuring 23 schools and swimming clubs, with young swimmers getting an opportunity to showcase their skills.

Oliver Ohieng, Marabou News Agency

Nigeria’s premier inter-school swimming competition, the Dolphin Swimming League season 8 began on a successful note at Grange School in Lagos, over the weekend, attracting hundreds of young swimmers, cheered on by parents and guardians who turned out to support the athletes.

Recognised as Nigeria’s foremost inter-school competition, the swimming league is organised by Dynaspro Promotions Limited in partnership with Advanta Interactive Limited and sanctioned by the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, the Nigeria Olympic Committee, the Nigeria School Sport Federation and the Lagos State Swimming Association.

Started in 2018 with just five schools, the Dolphin Swimming League has grown significantly into a thriving grassroots competition featuring 23 schools and swimming clubs.

This season also welcomed participants from Abuja, highlighting the league’s expanding national reach.

Graduates of the Dolphin Swimming League have advanced to represent Nigeria at regional, continental, and junior international competitions.

A notable name is Abduljabar Adama, who became the first swimmer from Nigeria to win an international medal at the 2025 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Romania.

The 17-year-old sensation is set to represent Africa’s population at the upcoming 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, from October 31 to November 13.

Nseobong Samuel Jesimiel, technical representative of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation praised the swimming league’s impact on youth swimming development.

“And I want to thank Grange School too for giving us this opportunity and fixing their pool to make it look better. The situation now and the challenges is that we have more schools, more clubs to handle. Instead of the normal 10, 11, we have over 23 schools and clubs. That means the Dolphin League is going higher. Record-breaking, record-breaking and record-breaking,” he said.

Parents at the event also commended organisers for creating a safe, disciplined and motivating environment. They noted that the league promotes a healthy lifestyle and encourages children to challenge themselves and strive for excellence.

“Yeah, I must commend whatever support Grange School has put together to make this happen. I think funding is key. We will continue to do our best to support as much as we can as parents, but this competition comes very handy, very helpful and because of health and fitness. I think it’s something we’ll continue to do as we progress in life. Well, done,” said Haruna Onu, a parent.

The season is expected to end toward mid-2027. With growing participation, expanding reach and increasing recognition, the Dolphin Swimming League continues to establish itself as a vital platform for developing the next generation of swimming talents in Nigeria.

Marabou News Agency

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