Dumuje-Abili relishes Youth Olympics dream

Nigerian young  swimmer Aidan Dumuje-Abili

Nigerian young  swimmer Aidan Dumuje-Abili says competing at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games is the fulfilment of a childhood dream, one he set for himself long before earning the opportunity to represent his country on the global stage, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 15-year-old made another appearance in the pool on Tuesday, finishing fifth in Heat 4 of the men’s 100m backstroke in a time of 1:00.79, his second event at the Games.

“Representing Nigeria at the Youth Olympics has been my dream and my main goal as a junior swimmer.

“It’s something I set for myself at a very young age,” the Grange School, Lagos student told WSG Events.

Beyond swimming, Dumuje-Abili is also passionate about football, basketball and tennis, although he has identified swimming as the sport he hopes to pursue professionally.

His sporting idols reflect his interests, with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi and swimming legend Michael Phelps among his biggest inspirations.

• Youth Olympics: Nigerian swimmers record mixed results in Dakar
• Dakar 2026: Nigerian duo bow out of table tennis event
• Senegal kicks off Youth Games, Africa’s first ever Olympics

“My idol is Lionel Messi because of his leadership and his determination on the pitch. I also play football, basketball, tennis and I will swim professionally because I’m best at that one. I really like the most decorated swimmer in the world, Michael Phelps,” he told PUNCH Sports Extra in a 2023 interview.

The youngster has already built an impressive collection of medals from swimming competitions, including the World School Games, Dolphin Swimming League in Lagos and the National Youth Games.

He has also represented Nigeria at continental competitions, including the 2025 Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Championships and the Africa Youth Games in Angola.

At the latter, he claimed bronze in the men’s 50m backstroke, further underlining his potential among Africa’s emerging swimming talents.

According to World Aquatics’ athlete records, Dumuje-Abili recorded a personal best of 1:03.80 in the men’s 100m backstroke at the 2025 Africa Aquatics Zone 2 Championships.

His appearance at Dakar 2026 therefore represents another important step in his development, as the young Nigerian continues to gain international exposure and pursue his ambition of building a career in