Nigeria Diaspora Talents Festival Set to Hold in London
Dikko, Olopade, Dalhatu to Grace Diaspora Sports Trials
The Nigeria Diaspora Talents Development Committee has announced that all is set for its landmark festival of sporting talents of Nigerian descent in the diaspora, scheduled to take place at the Hertfordshire Sports Village, University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, on July 17.
The event, which is already generating excitement, will be graced by top dignitaries including National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, and the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK Ambassador Amin Dalhatu.
Athletes of Nigerian origin across multiple sports will converge at the de Havilland campus from 9am to register and participate in a variety of disciplines. The festival will feature exhibition matches and mentorship sessions designed to showcase Nigeria’s sporting potential on the global stage.
Committee Chairman Dr. Tunde Adelakun expressed optimism about the initiative, describing it as a crucial step in identifying and nurturing diaspora talents.
He noted that the program will help Nigeria stem the loss of promising athletes to other nations, citing examples such as Bukayo Saka, Michael Olise, and Eberechi Eze.
Adelakun emphasized that the Committee’s work complements grassroots sports development efforts back home, ensuring Nigeria reaps the benefits of its global talent pool.
The day’s headline events will include a netball exhibition match between Nigeria’s diaspora national team and Pakistan, a basketball showcase led by ex-Olympian and five-time African champion Dr. Sarah Ogoke, and exhibitions in taekwondo, golf, and table tennis featuring stars such as Georgia Oboh and Funke Oshonaike.
Former Super Eagles players Seyi Olofinjana and Carl Ikeme will conduct football drills, providing selectors with fresh options as the Committee continues to unearth talents of Nigerian origin.
Adelakun concluded that July 17 will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s sporting journey:
‘It will be remembered as the day Nigeria went intentional in harnessing its diaspora talents to bring glory on the global stage. Our youngsters of Nigerian origin, all over the world, are the future of Nigerian sports.’
