By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

 

The President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Dukwu Nnamdi Chamberlain, has welcomed the invitation extended to Pastor Nseobong Samuel Jesemiel to serve as Chief Referee at the Africa Open Water Swimming Tournament slated for November 28–30, 2025, in Conakry, Guinea.

 

Pastor Jesemiel—an experienced technical expert and senior figure within Nigeria’s aquatics community—was invited by the Fédération Aquatique de Guinée (FAG) to offer high-level technical support at the continental championship. According to the official request from the Guinean body, he is expected to be deployed from November 24 to December 2, 2025, during which he will oversee critical aspects of officiating and event management.

 

In its correspondence, the Guinea Aquatics Federation praised Pastor Jesemiel’s “expertise and experience as a technical assistant,” noting that his presence would help strengthen technical organisation, enhance the safety framework, and elevate officiating standards in line with African Swimming Confederation (CANA) regulations.

 

Responding to the development, President Dukwu Nnamdi Chamberlain expressed satisfaction with the recognition of Nigerian officials at the continental level. He stated that the invitation reflects Nigeria’s rising influence in aquatic sports and affirms the competence and professionalism of the federation’s technical personnel.

 

“We are pleased to receive this invitation from our colleagues in Guinea and proud of Pastor Jesemiel’s nomination as Chief Referee. His selection is a strong acknowledgment of Nigeria’s technical expertise and our commitment to the advancement of aquatics in Africa. The Nigeria Aquatics Federation fully supports this engagement and wishes him a productive and impactful assignment,” Chamberlain said.

 

The tournament in Conakry is expected to attract elite swimmers, technical officials, and continental administrators as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen open water competitions across Africa.

 

With Pastor Jesemiel’s appointment, Nigeria continues to play a significant role in shaping the progress and standards of aquatic sports within the region.