By Aderonke Ojo
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation, (NaqF) is abuzz with excitement as two talented swimmers are set to depart on Friday for prestigious World Aquatics Aquatics international training scholarships in Europe.
The duo of Clinton Opute of Delta State and Police Corporal ,Collins Ebingha,was awarded under World Aquatics elite development program.
The global governing body for swimming, will provide the athletes with access to world-class training facilities and high-performance coaching in preparation for major global events, including the Olympic Games.
Opute scholarship runs from September 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, in Hungary . Ebingha scholarship runs from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, in France .
Ebingha, who serves as a Corporal in the Nigeria Police Force, has enjoyed consistent support from the Force since enlisted in 2018.
His development has been nurtured under the guidance of Police force and the Bayelsa state.
This feat wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the police Sports structure under the leadership of the IG through the OC Sports CP Tony Emefile, NPF Sports Officer; DCP Shuaibu Bello, Chairman Police Swimming Association ; and Inspector Yellow Yeiyah, Captain of the NPF Swimming Team.
The Inspector General of Police has also been credited with sustaining an enabling environment for athletes to thrive and bring glory to Nigeria besides ensuring civil calm and security in the country.
Other swimmers within the police force such as Dorcas Okaa are in the A category of swimmers who will represent Nigeria at future international events later in the year.
The President of NaqF, Chief Mrs Chinonye Daphey-Aliyu, commended both athletes, describing their scholarships as a landmark achievement for Nigerian swimming.
“ 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 stated.
Echoing this, the Secretary-General of the Federation, Taiwo Oriss, said the development signals a turning point for the sport.
“ This is a move in the right direction. 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,” he affirmed.
The National Sports Commission ( NSC) , under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, also hailed the milestone, stressing that it reflects the government’s renewed focus on sports development across all disciplines.
It will be recalled that Opute and Ebingha, alongside Abduljabar Adama of Ogun State, announced themselves as elite prospects at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where their performances elevated Nigeria’s swimming profile.
Their latest recognition by World Aquatics is now seen as a significant step forward in Nigeria’s preparations for the Olympic Games and its broader ambition to produce world-class athletes.