Nigeria Launches Diaspora Talent Drive To Scout UK Schools, Youth Games For Future Stars

The Nigeria Diaspora Talents Development Committee has officially commenced its mission to bolster the nation’s sporting future, targeting young athletes of Nigerian descent competing in the United Kingdom and across the globe. The committee, established by the National Sports Commission (NSC), held its inaugural meeting at the University of Hertfordshire’s College Lane campus in Hatfield.

The initiative aims to address a perceived “talent shortage” by identifying and nurturing young prospects long before they reach senior international level.

The media officer for the committee, Clement Nwankpa Jr, in a statement released yesterday in Abuja, said the meeting, chaired by Dr Tunde Adelakun, included the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, as well as committee members joining from various international locations.

The statement noted that Hon. Olopade, in his opening address, emphasised the urgency of strengthening Nigeria’s “conveyor belt” of athletic talent.

“At the Commission, we have moved to seriously address the dearth of talent in our sports from the foundations,” Olopade stated. “We know for a fact that there are many of our sons and daughters who are doing so well across the globe. We want to catch them at a much younger age this time.”

He further explained that the initiative seeks to bridge the historical gap where athletes of Nigerian heritage often only identified with their fatherland late in their professional careers. “We want to provide some pathway for their career development,” he added.

Targeting UK Competitions

A primary focus of the committee’s immediate agenda is the formation of a “Diaspora Team” to compete in the upcoming National Intermediate Games. To facilitate this, the committee plans to establish an official presence at the London Youth Games and the English Schools Sports Competitions—two of the UK’s most prestigious breeding grounds for young sporting talent.

The committee also announced a Multi-Sport Exhibition Event scheduled for London on 17 July. This event will serve as the final selection stage for the team heading to the Intermediate Games and will provide a platform to share preparation programmes.

The DAMMS Unit

In a move to ensure the long-term commitment of diaspora athletes, the committee has adopted the creation of the Diaspora Athletes Monitoring Mentoring and Support Unit (DAMMS). This body is designed to oversee the welfare and progress of athletes, providing support during setbacks such as injuries.

“It is not enough to scout the athletes for competitions; there is a need to continually keep tabs on their progress,” said Chairman Dr Tunde Adelakun. “You cannot just barge into an athlete much later in his career and expect to convince him to wear the national colours.

We have to be involved in their development—cry with them when they cry and celebrate with them when they do.”

A Star-Studded Scouting Team

The committee has enlisted a high-profile group of “Talent Identification Champions” to lead the search, featuring several decorated Olympians and former professionals. The scouting team includes Olympian Olusoji Fasuba (who also serves as Data Protection and Safeguarding Officer); Olympian Olufunke Oshonaike; former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana; Jordan Joel (Taekwondo); Americas Scouting: Adewale Ajayi and Colin Udoh and Mentorship: Olympian Marilyn Okoro.

The committee’s leadership includes Abigail Katung (1st Vice-chairman), David Omigie (2nd Vice-chairman), Olympian Sarah Ogoke (3rd Vice-chairman), and Dr Yinka Idowu (Director of Strategic Planning and Development), with Olalekan Alabi serving as Secretary.