By Aderonke Ojo
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) has commended the Bayelsa State Government for sponsoring one of its coaches, Mrs. Timitimi-Funwei Erekposeigha, to attend the prestigious World Aquatics Age-Grade Coaching Course in Hungary.
NAqF President, Dr. Nnamdi Chamberlain Dukwu, made the commendation during the 27th edition of the Nigerian University Games (NUGA) in Abuja, describing Bayelsa’s gesture as a major contribution to the development of swimming in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Dukwu, the Age-Grade Coaching Course is a specialized global programme designed for coaches who work with young swimmers between the ages of 5 and 14. The training focuses on modern approaches to introducing swimming to beginners and teaching proper techniques that ensure safe and effective skill development.
He explained that Nigeria’s inclusion in the course reflects the country’s growing recognition in the international swimming community, following recent achievements such as winning a silver medal at the World Junior Championships, clinching three gold medals, and setting two new African records in Egypt.
“These remarkable performances have attracted the attention of the global swimming community to Nigeria,” Dukwu said. “We are grateful to the Bayelsa State Government for sponsoring Coach Timitimi-Funwei Erekposeigha. Her participation will not only enhance her technical capacity but also strengthen the quality of coaching across the nation.”
Dr. Dukwu further disclosed that another Nigerian coach, Mr. Barakumo Loya Goodluck, will also participate in the Hungary course. Both coaches were selected based on their exceptional performance during the last World Aquatics Training Programme held in Abuja, where they excelled in both theoretical and practical evaluations.
Upon completion of the course, the two coaches are expected to train other local coaches, helping to standardize coaching methods and raise the overall standard of swimming in Nigeria.
The NAqF President reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to continuous capacity building and international collaboration, emphasizing that the right technical knowledge will help Nigeria unlock its full potential in global swimming competitions.
“With support from visionary partners like the Bayelsa State Government, and by equipping our coaches with world-class knowledge, Nigeria can become a major force in international swimming,” Dukwu stated.