The National Sports Commission has announced the establishment of the Nigeria Diaspora Talents Development Committee, aimed at tackling the country’s talent shortage by engaging athletes of Nigerian descent across global platforms.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, April 23, the Commission confirmed that the committee held its inaugural meeting at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, United Kingdom.
The session was chaired by Dr. Tunde Adelakun, while Director‑General Hon. Bukola Olopade and other members joined online to outline the body’s mandate.
Olopade stressed, “We want to catch them young and provide some pathway for their career development.”
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In addition, Adelakun emphasized the need for continuous support beyond scouting. “It is not enough to scout athletes for competitions; we must continually keep tabs on their progress and support them, even in trying times like injuries and setbacks, but also celebrate with them when they achieve remarkable milestones,” he said.
The initiative will see a Diaspora Team feature at the forthcoming National Intermediate Games. Prospects will also be scouted through the London Youth Games and English Schools competitions, marking a deliberate shift toward early engagement and structured development.
In a related move, the committee has adopted the Diaspora Athletes Monitoring, Mentoring and Support Unit (DAMMS), designed to track and guide athletes across the diaspora.
The leadership includes Olympians Olusoji Fasuba, Olufunke Oshonaike, Sarah Ogoke, and Marilyn Okoro, alongside football veteran Seyi Olofinjana. Their collective expertise is expected to bridge the gap between diaspora talents and Nigeria’s national teams.
With preparations underway for the Intermediate Games and a multi‑sport exhibition in London this July, the initiative signals Nigeria’s intent to secure its sporting future through global reach and grassroots connection.
