Nigerian Swimmers Opute, Ebingha Secure World Aquatics Scholarships

Posted : 04 September 2025

Nigerian swimmers Clinton Opute and Police Corporal Collins Ebingha are set to depart Nigeria for Europe to begin their prestigious World Aquatics Scholarships.

The country’s swimming ambitions received a major boost as Opute, representing Delta State, and Ebingha, of the Nigeria Police Force, will leave on Friday to commence their international training programs under World Aquatics’ elite development initiative. The scholarships provide access to world-class facilities and coaching in preparation for global competitions, including the Olympic Games.

Opute will undergo training in Hungary from September 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, while Ebingha will train in France from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.

Ebingha, who has been a member of the Nigeria Police Force since 2018, has enjoyed consistent support from the Force and Bayelsa State authorities. His development has been guided by the Police Sports structure under the Inspector General of Police, with contributions from CP Tony Emefile (OC Sports), DCP Shuaibu Bello (Chairman, Police Swimming Association), and Inspector Yellow Yeiyah (Captain, NPF Swimming Team). The Inspector General has been commended for fostering an environment that enables athletes to thrive while ensuring civil order in the country.

Other Police Force swimmers, such as Dorcas Oka, are also rising talents and are expected to represent Nigeria in international competitions later in 2025.

President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Mrs. Chinonye Daphey-Aliyu, praised both athletes, calling their scholarships a landmark achievement for the sport.

“Clinton and Collins represent the new face of Nigerian swimming. Their recognition by World Aquatics is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the steady progress of our Federation. We are proud of them and will continue to provide the support they need to excel,” she said.

Secretary-General of the Federation, Taiwo Oriss, added that the development represents a turning point. “Our strategy has always been to expose athletes to the best global training and coaching. With Clinton and Collins heading to Europe under World Aquatics, Nigeria is taking its place on the international swimming map,” he noted.

The National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, also welcomed the milestone, describing it as a reflection of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to sports development across all disciplines.

It will be recalled that Opute and Ebingha, alongside Abduljabar Adama of Ogun State, made headlines at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, where their standout performances raised Nigeria’s swimming profile. Their latest recognition by World Aquatics is now seen as a significant step forward in Nigeria’s Olympic preparations and long-term sporting ambitions.

Nigerian Swimmers Opute, Ebingha Secure World Aquatics Scholarships

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