Swimming: Chief Of Naval Staff Tourney For Ilorin

The Nigeria Swimming Federation is set for the Chief of Naval Staff Swimming Open Championship slated for next month in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

President of the Federation, Babatunde Fatai-Williams told P.M.Sports that athletes and states are still registering for the championship, which has been scheduled to hold after the general elections.

The president said the tourney is part of Nigeria’s preparation for the Zone 2 Senior Swimming championship slated for Dakar, Senegal, by the end of May.

“The tourney is very important because the coaches will be able to pick good swimmers that will represent Nigeria in Zone 2 Senior Swimming Championship. We also want to use the competition to discover more talents to represent this country at international meets,” he said.

The Zone 2 Senior Swimming Championship involves 18 countries in West Africa including central African countries. Fatai-Williams said with adequate preparation, Nigeria have what it takes to do well in the tournament.

“Nigeria is gradually doing well in swimming and I am happy that our swimmers are ready to do the country proud in any international competition. I am expecting a good outing in the championship,” he said.

He also commended the Sports Minister, Taoreed Adedoja, for renovating the swimming pool at the National Stadium in Lagos and other sports centres in Nigeria. He said the on-going renovation of sport centres across the country will help Nigerian athletes show more interest in swimming.

“I want to salute the sports minister because it is during his tenure that swimming pools are being renovated,” he said.

—Sunday Akintoye