Fasuba, Oyiki, Oshonaike, Olofinjana Top List as Nigeria Taps Diaspora Icons to Expand Sports Talent Pool
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has unveiled a new Diaspora Talent Discovery Committee, with celebrated Nigerian athletes and sports professionals at its core.
Retired sprint king and 2008 World Indoor 60m champion Olusoji Fasuba, sports advocate and former 110m hurdler Moses Oyiki Orode, table tennis legend Olufunke Oshonaike, and former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana headline the diverse team tasked with identifying and integrating Nigerian talent abroad into the country’s sporting framework.
The Committee, chaired by UK‑based sports administrator Dr. Tunde Adelakun, brings together a wealth of diaspora expertise to strengthen Nigeria’s global sports footprint.
Alongside the headline names, the roster features figures such as sports journalist Colin Udoh, former athlete Marilyn Okoro, who represented Great Britain and won medals at European, World and Olympic levels, former Nigeria international goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, and basketball star Sarah Ogoke, among others.
Leadership is further bolstered by Abigail Marshall Katung, Nigerian‑British politician and first African Lord Mayor of Leeds, as First Vice Chairman, and London‑based sports consultant David Omigie as Second Vice Chairman.
The job of the committee among others is to identify and connect talent abroad, creating pathways for integration into Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.
It serves as a bridge between government and diaspora communities, advises on global best practices, and promotes national visibility by engaging Nigerians across the world.
By harnessing the skills and networks of diaspora athletes, the Committee ensures Nigeria remains competitive on the international stage.
The Diaspora Talent Discovery Committee is expected to play a pivotal role in expanding Nigeria’s talent pool and reinforcing the nation’s ambition to stand tall in global sports.
