The tides are turning in Nigeria’s swimming scene and at the centre of the wave is 17-year-old Abduljabar Adama, who’s just been inducted into the National Sports Commission’s Elite Program under the Elite Athletes and Podium Board.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, made the announcement during the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, following Nigeria’s stellar showing at the 16th African Junior Swimming Championships in Egypt.

Adama won three golds, including breaking both the championship and African records and a bronze, putting Nigeria on the map. The country finished third overall behind swimming powerhouses South Africa and Egypt.

“Swimming has always been on the fringe of our Olympic hopes,” Olopade admitted, “but not anymore. I sleep better now knowing what we’ve got. With this current crop and the dedication of the Federation, I strongly believe Nigeria will make the Olympic podium in 2028.”

The DG praised the President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Chinonye Aliyu, and described the swimmers’ parents as “national heroes” for their support and sacrifices.

Olopade backed his words with action, announcing N5 million for Adama and N2 million each for the remaining athletes and coaching crew.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “We’re going to fund not just the Egypt team but all age-grade swimmers, locally and internationally. Nigeria’s swimming future is bright, and we’re diving all in.”