The landscape of Nigerian sports is set for a historic transformation. The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced a strategic initiative aimed at scouting, identifying, and integrating elite sporting talent of Nigerian descent living across the globe.
In a bold move to revolutionize sports, the National Sports Commission has officially launched the Diaspora Talents Discovery Committee, appointing renowned sports technocrat, seasoned and internationally respected administrator, Tunde Adelakun as its pioneer Chairman.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade. Speaking on behalf of the commission’s leadership, including Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.
Bukola Olopade emphasized that Adelakun was “carefully selected” due to his unparalleled wealth of experience and deep-rooted connections within the global sports diaspora.
The initiative is a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope focus for Nigeria’s sports development. By moving away from traditional scouting and adopting “scientific approaches,” the NSC aims to achieve sustainable “podium excellence” on the world stage.
”Myself and Mallam Shehu Dikko are very excited with the direction we are heading,” Olopade stated. “We must harness all the resources we have as a country, both at home and abroad. Adelakun, with his rich diaspora network, will help us get thousands of our sons and daughters willing to represent our great country with pride and dignity.”
“Tunde Adelakun is no stranger to the intricate world of international sports scouting and administration. His appointment is seen as a bridge between Nigeria’s local sporting infrastructure and the vast pool of talent currently competing in top-tier leagues across Europe, the Americas, and beyond, he concluded.”
In his acceptance remarks, Adelakun described the initiative as a “game-changer” for the nation.
”This is a case of adopting international best practice,” Adelakun noted. “We have a lot of Nigerians in the diaspora who are willing to compete for the country. Our job is mainly to create that smooth platform for them to feel that homely welcome and attain international sporting glory.”
For years, Nigerian sports fans have watched as athletes of Nigerian heritage win medals and trophies for other nations. This new committee signals a shift in policy from passive observation to active recruitment.
The National Sports Commission is the apex body responsible for sports administration in Nigeria. Under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the commission is currently undergoing a series of reforms designed to professionalize the sector and improve Nigeria’s standing in global athletics.
