World Aquatics, the global governing body for swimming, has awarded international training scholarships to two of Nigeria’s most promising swimmers — Clinton Opute of Delta State and Collins Ebingha of Bayelsa State.
The scholarships, announced under the World Aquatics Elite Athlete Development Programme, aim to provide access to world-class coaching and training facilities in Europe as well as support the athletes’ preparations for major international competitions, including the Olympic Games.
According to the program details, Collins Ebingha will undergo a full-year training residency in France from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, while Clinton Opute is to train in Hungary for a longer duration — from September 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028.
This recognition is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s swimming journey and highlights the steady progress made in developing aquatic sports in the country.
It also reflects the ongoing efforts of the National Sports Commission (NSC), under the leadership of Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, alongside the Nigeria Swimming Federation, in nurturing and promoting homegrown talents.
The World Aquatics scholarships are highly competitive and reserved for athletes above the age of 18 who exhibit strong Olympic potential.
The selection of Opute and Ebingha is therefore not only a validation of their individual talents but also a nod to Nigeria’s rising stature in global swimming.
It will be recalled that both swimmers — along with Abduljabar Adama of Ogun State — were among the standout performers at the 2024 National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State where their performances underscored the emergence of a new generation of elite Nigerian swimmers.
Their latest recognition by World Aquatics not only enhances Nigeria’s preparations for the Paris 2028 Olympic Games and beyond but also reinforces the nation’s commitment to identifying and developing athletes capable of competing on the world stage.
With structured support now in place, Clinton Opute and Collins Ebingha are poised to become key figures in Nigeria’s Olympic swimming aspirations and potential sources of pride for the continent in years to come.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
