Nigeria Launches Diaspora Committee to Scout and Integrate Overseas Athletes
- 12 hours ago
- 1 min read
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s sports sector through global collaboration, with the inauguration of a Diaspora Talent Discovery Committee.
The committee is designed to identify Nigerian athletes living abroad and create structured pathways for their inclusion in the country’s sports development framework. The move reflects a growing focus on tapping into the vast pool of Nigerian talent scattered across international sporting systems.
Leading the committee is UK-based sports administrator, Dr Tunde Adelakun, whose experience spans roles with both Nigerian and Beninese national teams. His appointment is seen as a strategic effort to bring global expertise into Nigeria’s talent discovery process.
The Commission noted that the committee draws members from diverse professional backgrounds, including former athletes, sports administrators, and media professionals, all with strong ties to Nigeria and its sporting ecosystem.
Among those appointed are sports journalist Colin Udoh, former sprint champion Olusoji Fasuba, middle-distance runner Marilyn Okoro, table tennis veteran Olufunke Oshonaike, and former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana.
Other members include ex-international goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, sports advocate Ahmed Muhammed, taekwondo athlete Jordan Joel, and communications professionals such as Adewale Ajayi and Ayodele Ibidapo, with Clement Nwakpa serving as Media Officer.
The leadership structure is further strengthened by Abigail Marshall Katung as First Vice Chairman, David Omigie as Second Vice Chairman, and former D’Tigress captain Sarah Ogoke as Third Vice Chairman.
According to the NSC, the committee will play a key role in expanding Nigeria’s talent base, fostering stronger engagement with athletes in the diaspora, and improving the country’s competitiveness on the global sports stage.
Comments