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By JOE APU
Nigerian swimmer, Collins Obi Ebinga, has set his eyes on qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, despite the numerous challenges facing swimming in the country.
The 22-year-old, who hails from Ebonyi State but represents Bayelsa State at the National Sports Festival, said that he has been swimming since the age of 12 and has already won multiple gold medals at national level since 2020.
“I compete in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 50m butterfly and 100m butterfly. My dream for LA 2028 is to qualify and push myself to reach the semifinals or finals. That alone will be a great honor for Nigeria,” Obi said.
However, the young athlete complained that the lack of support from the Swimming Federation and sports authorities in Nigeria, noting that many swimmers rely on personal funds to train, attend competitions, and maintain proper nutrition.
“Most times we don’t get financial support to attend qualifying events. It’s frustrating because when I look at other countries, their federations and ministries invest heavily in their swimmers. If I had that level of support, I believe I would be even better today,” he explained.
Obi, who has also benefited from the World Aquatics Scholarship Program, stressed that preparing for the Olympics requires three to four years of consistent training, nutrition, and competition exposure, not last-minute arrangements.
Despite offers and thoughts of representing other countries, Obi said he is still open to carrying Nigeria’s flag on the global stage provided the needed support is given.
“Sometimes I think about representing another country, especially in Europe or America, where opportunities are better.
But for now, I still want to push for Nigeria. If I can qualify and make history as the first Nigerian swimmer to reach the semifinals or finals at the Olympics, it could inspire more support for the sport back home,” he said.
Currently based in France, Obi continues to train and compete at a higher level, often racing against French national swimmers in events that double as qualifiers for world championships and the Olympics.
While he admits that winning an Olympic medal would be a dream come true, Obi maintains that his immediate target is to qualify, reach the semifinals, and make history for Nigeria in LA 2028.
