Diaspora Athletes to Compete as 38th Team at 2026 National Intermediate Games in Lagos
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The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that Nigerian athletes based abroad will participate in the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games in Lagos later this year, competing as a distinct team tagged Invited Diaspora Athletes (IDA).
The inclusion of the IDA forms part of a broader reform agenda introduced by the commission under its current leadership, aimed at repositioning the country’s sports sector and strengthening its talent pipeline. The initiative is designed to formally integrate overseas-based Nigerian athletes into national competitions and long-term development plans.
Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, disclosed that about 50 athletes from different parts of the world are expected to feature for the IDA team at the Lagos Games. He noted that interest from Nigerians in the diaspora has grown significantly since the creation of a dedicated discovery committee to identify and coordinate eligible talents abroad.
According to him, the participation of diaspora athletes will not only deepen competition at the Intermediate Games but also enhance Nigeria’s preparedness for future international tournaments. He described the move as a strategic step toward improving Team Nigeria’s overall competitiveness on the global stage.
The Diaspora Discovery Athletes Committee, chaired by Tunde Adelakun, is currently overseeing preparations for the team. Plans are underway to establish a training camp in Europe, where shortlisted athletes will converge ahead of the Games before the final squad is selected.
Adelakun said the response from athletes abroad has been encouraging, adding that the initiative marks a historic first in Nigeria’s sports structure by granting diaspora-based competitors a formal platform within national multi-sport events.
The IDA will compete as the 38th team at the National Intermediate Games, following the precedent set at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State, where Invited Junior Athletes participated as the 37th state and secured medals. Officials believe the diaspora team’s inclusion could further reshape the country’s domestic sports competitions and talent development framework.
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