By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Sports philanthropist and South-East representative on the board of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), Joseph Odobeatu, popularly known as Ojez, has joined the President of the federation, Hon. Lekan Fatodu, in welcoming Team Nigeria’s swimmers home following their impressive outing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
In line with the mandate of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation president to reward excellence and encourage outstanding performances, Ojez presented a cash reward of 300 dollars to 17-year-old sensation Abduljabar Adama for his historic feat at the Games.
Ojez described the exploits of Nigeria’s contingent—Abduljabar Adama, Clinton Opute, Collins Ebinga and Dorcas Oka—as a major breakthrough for the country’s aquatic sports, commending the athletes for flying the nation’s flag with pride on the global stage.
The sports enthusiast reserved special praise for Adama, who made history by becoming the first Nigerian swimmer to qualify for the final of an event at the Commonwealth Games, a feat no athlete from the country had previously achieved.
Competing in the men’s 50-metre butterfly, the teenage sensation stunned the field to secure a place in the final before eventually finishing fourth, narrowly missing out on a podium finish. His remarkable performance has further established him as one of the fastest-rising young swimmers in the world and placed Nigeria firmly on the international swimming map.
In recognition of the landmark achievement, Ojez presented the youngster with a cash reward of 300 dollars, describing his performance as a source of inspiration for millions of young Nigerians.
He also commended Clinton Opute, Collins Ebinga and Dorcas Oka for their determination and resilience throughout the competition, noting that the team’s overall performance signals a bright future for swimming in the country.
Ojez poured encomiums on the leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, for their pivotal role in the athletes’ preparations and performances in Glasgow.
“The performances of our swimmers are proof that Nigeria has abundant talents capable of competing with the very best in the world. The support from the National Sports Commission has been invaluable, and we must continue to invest in our athletes,” Ojez said.
He reiterated his commitment to grassroots sports development across the country, pledging continued investment in talent discovery and youth programmes aimed at producing the next generation of Nigerian swimming champions.
According to him, Adama’s historic feat should serve as motivation for stakeholders to intensify efforts towards building a stronger swimming culture and sporting structure capable of sustaining Nigeria’s success on the world stage.
