The National Sports Commission (NSC) has revealed that its maiden Diaspora Sports and Investment Summit in the United Kingdom is only the first step in an ambitious long term strategy to create a permanent global pathway for athletes of Nigerian heritage.
While the Hertfordshire Sports Village event successfully brought together young athletes, parents, coaches, sports legends and administrators, Commission officials stressed that the initiative is designed to become a continuous programme rather than a one off exercise.
According to the Commission, the Nigeria Diaspora Talents Development Committee has been established to identify, monitor and support talented Nigerians living abroad across multiple sports, creating a structured route into Team Nigeria.
Officials say the programme will ensure promising athletes are discovered early, properly evaluated and gradually integrated into the country’s high performance system.
National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko described the initiative as a key pillar of the Commission’s wider sports reforms.
“This is not an event that ends today. It is the beginning of a long-term national project that will strengthen Nigeria’s sporting future by connecting with our talented sons and daughters across the world.”
The Commission explained that the programme will combine talent identification, athlete development, mentorship and continuous engagement with families, coaches and sporting organisations in different countries.
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Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the project aligns with the Commission’s vision of building sustainable success rather than relying solely on short-term recruitment.
He noted that Nigerian athletes abroad represent a valuable resource capable of strengthening the country’s competitiveness across numerous sporting disciplines if properly engaged from an early stage.
The Commission also disclosed plans to establish stronger collaboration with Nigerian communities abroad, schools, academies and sports clubs to ensure talented athletes remain connected to opportunities within the national system.
Officials believe that building an organised global scouting network will place Nigeria in a stronger position to compete internationally as more countries increasingly benefit from structured diaspora recruitment.
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Beyond identifying athletes, the programme is expected to promote cultural identity, strengthen relationships with Nigerians in the diaspora and create a lasting pipeline of talent capable of representing the country for years to come.
