The Nigerian Aquatic Federation secured the 31st position in the global rankings at the recently concluded World Aquatic Championship held in Fukuoka, Japan.
This announcement was made in Lagos by the federation’s first female president, Chief Chinoye Daphey Aliyu, who led Team Nigeria to the championship. She lauded Nigeria’s athletes for making the country proud.
According to President Aliyu, Team Nigeria exhibited remarkable enthusiasm, skill, capacity, competence, and resilience throughout the competition, showcasing the “can-do” spirit of the average Nigerian.
The Nigerian contingent consisted of four swimmers: Collins Ebighan, Clinton Opute, Dorcas Okar, and Adaku Nwandu. The team’s coach, Sunday Tilije, was accompanied by two board members, Mrs Stella Ebegboni and Secretary-General Mr Joel Akinluwa.
Aliyu emphasized the importance of funding in developing athletes for greater success on the global stage. She stated that Nigeria’s performance in Japan demonstrated its stature as the African giant, yet highlighted the need for more efforts to promote the Nigerian brand.
Aliyu asserted that with proper funding, Nigerian athletes possess the potential to rank among the top 10 swimming nations globally.
She believed that the achievement at the Japan 2023 championship would unlock the athletes’ potential in the country.
However, Aliyu acknowledged that insufficient funding held back Team Nigeria’s performance, urging the government to be proactive in preparing the nation’s athletes for the future.
Nigeria’s Clinton Opute received a scholarship from the world athletic body to study in Budapest, Hungary, as a recognition of his outstanding swimming talent.
Meanwhile, the tournament concluded with a new record set by Swedish swimmer Sarah Sjostrom, surpassing Michael Phelps’ record. As the World Aquatic Federation concluded this year’s championship, the curtain was drawn on the event.
