Two Nigerian Swimmers Won World Aquatics Training Scholarships

Two Nigerian swimmers have secured international training scholarships from World Aquatics, the global body in charge of swimming. The beneficiaries, Clinton Opute from Delta and Collins Ebingha from Bayelsa, were announced by the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.

The scholarships are part of World Aquatics’ elite development programme, which gives young athletes access to world-class training facilities in Europe. The goal is to prepare them for top competitions, including the Olympic Games.

According to programme details, Collins Ebingha will benefit from the scholarship between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. Clinton Opute will enjoy an extended grant running from September 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. Ebingha will train in France, while Opute’s training will take place in Hungary.

This marks a major step for Nigeria, showing the steady progress the country has made in swimming over the years. It also reflects the sports development agenda of the National Sports Commission (NSC), under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade.

The Nigeria Swimming Federation has played a key role in creating more opportunities for young swimmers across the country. World Aquatics scholarships are usually given to athletes over 18 years old who have shown strong talent and the potential to qualify for the Olympics.

Opute and Ebingha’s selection is proof of Nigeria’s growing recognition in international swimming. Both athletes had already proven themselves at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun, where they performed alongside Abduljabar Adama of Ogun State.

Their new opportunity strengthens Nigeria’s Olympic preparations and confirms the country’s renewed commitment to producing world-class athletes in swimming.