Team Lagos delivered a commanding performance at the just-concluded National U-15 Swimming Competition, tagged “Swim for Life,” held from 23rd to 25th April 2025 at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
Competing against young swimmers from across Nigeria, the 16-member squad stood out by winning a total of 44 medals: 14 Gold, 16 Silver, and 14 Bronze, across 53 of the 65 events featured at the championship.
Organised by the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, the event showcased the emergence of future swimming champions. Team Lagos rose to the occasion with discipline, drive, and talent. Two standout athletes: Maryam Muhammed, 12; and Oluwatomi Adebayo, 8; were named Most Valuable Swimmers of the tournament, underscoring the quality of the state’s youth swimming programme and the impact of intentional grassroots development.
Reacting to the team’s performance, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, who led the Lagos delegation to the competition, commended the swimmers, coaches, parents, and support staff.
“This result speaks to the strength of our sports development as a State. Our swimmers’ display in Abuja reinforces our belief that consistent support and structured exposure at the junior level will yield champions who can represent Nigeria globally. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and inspired by the dedication they continue to show.”
Fatodu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building clear pathways for young athletes, emphasising that success at junior-level competitions confirms the value of sustained investment in coaching, facilities, and mentorship.
Speaking on behalf of parents of Lagos athletes at the event, Mrs. Aderoju Ope-Ajayi expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the new leadership at the Lagos State Sports Commission for their renewed support and direction. She emphasised the importance of working together with the Commission to grow the sport further, stating that many stakeholders are ready to collaborate and contribute toward taking swimming in Lagos to the next level.
The Lagos State Sports Commission remains focused on nurturing the next generation of elite athletes and building on this momentum through talent discovery, technical support, and competitive exposure across all sports.
