By: IDNN Sports Desk
ABEOKUTA — In a sports festival filled with elite performances and record-breaking veterans, one name captured the heart of the nation: Aidan Dumuje-Abili.
Just 14 years old, the Junior Secondary School 3 student from Grange School, Lagos swam his way into national consciousness by winning a sensational silver medal in the men’s 100m backstroke at the Gateway Games 2025.
The Future Arrives Early
Competing under the Independent Junior Athletes (IJA) banner, Dumuje clocked 1:04.15, finishing just behind Ogun’s record-breaking Kolade Otunla (1:02.41) and ahead of Delta’s Duke Enyekamime (1:04.70).
It was a tight race. But what separated Dumuje was not just technique — it was temperament.
“He swims like he’s been doing this for a decade,” said one coach poolside.
“To hold that line under pressure at 14? That’s Olympic DNA.”
Trail of Medals and Dreams
Before Gateway Games 2025, Dumuje was already a rising star. His trophy cabinet includes:
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🥇 Dolphin Swimming League
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🥇 National Youth Games
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🥇 ISF World School Games
But this silver medal — his first at senior national level — is now his most defining moment.
“This means everything,” he said, still wrapped in a towel.
“I want to keep making Nigeria proud.”
Scholar + Star
Balancing academics at one of Lagos’ top private schools with a high-performance swimming schedule, Aidan represents a new wave of Nigerian athletes — well-schooled, well-trained, and world-ready.
Coaches believe he has the potential to lead Nigeria into the Youth Olympics, and perhaps one day, the Olympic Games proper.
Rise of the IJA Movement
Dumuje’s feat also marks a huge win for the Independent Junior Athletes program, a grassroots initiative designed to give non-state-backed talent a platform at the National Sports Festival.
He’s not alone — other IJA swimmers, tennis players, and martial artists are gaining ground.
“IJA is the future,” said one official.
“And Aidan is its brightest torch.”
