Nigerian Swimmers Opute, Ebingha Head to Europe

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Nigeria’s swimming scene has received a major boost as Clinton Opute of Delta State and Police Corporal Collins Obi Ebingha prepare to depart for Europe this Friday to begin their World Aquatics international training scholarships.

The scholarships, awarded under World Aquatics’ elite development program, will expose the duo to world-class facilities and high-performance coaching as they prepare for global competitions, including the Olympic Games.

Opute will undergo a three-year program in Hungary from September 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, while Ebingha begins his training stint in France from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.

For Ebingha, who joined the Nigeria Police Force in 2018, the achievement reflects years of steady support from the Force and his Bayelsa State roots. His growth has been guided by the Police Sports structure, led by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) through the OC Sports CP Tony Emefile, NPF Sports Officer DCP Shuaibu Bello, Chairman of the Police Swimming Association, and Inspector Yellow Yeiyah, captain of the Police Swimming Team.

The Federation praised the IGP for sustaining an environment that allows athletes to thrive while serving the nation in security and peacekeeping. Rising police swimmers like Dorcas Okaa have also been identified in the elite category expected to represent Nigeria in future international competitions.

President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Mrs. Chinonye Daphey-Aliyu, hailed the scholarships as a milestone for the sport.

“Clinton and Collins represent the new face of Nigerian swimming. Their recognition by World Aquatics is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the steady progress we are making as a Federation. We are proud of them, and we will continue to give every support necessary to see them excel at the highest level,” she said.

Echoing this, the Federation’s Secretary-General, Taiwo Oriss, described the development as a turning point:

“Our long-term strategy has always been to expose our athletes to the best facilities and coaching available globally. With Clinton and Collins heading to Europe under the World Aquatics program, Nigeria is now positioning itself more firmly on the international swimming map.”

The National Sports Commission, under Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, also lauded the milestone, stressing that it reflects the government’s renewed commitment to nurturing talent across all sports.

Opute and Ebingha first announced themselves as elite prospects at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where alongside Abduljabar Adama of Ogun, they delivered performances that boosted Nigeria’s swimming profile.

Their latest recognition by World Aquatics is now seen as a crucial step toward Nigeria’s Olympic ambitions and its broader drive to produce world-class athletes on the global stage.