Team Nigeria Diaspora Gets Historic Invitation to London Youth Games

In an unprecedented development, organisers of the London Youth Games have officially extended an invitation to Team Nigeria Diaspora to participate in this year’s edition of the prestigious event.

The London Youth Games, which is staged between April and July across different sports, will feature Team Nigeria Diaspora in netball and athletics events scheduled for June 13 and June 21 respectively.

An elated Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Talents Development Committee, Dr. Tunde Adelakun, described the invitation as a strong endorsement of the Committee’s efforts at strengthening Nigeria’s conveyor belt of talents by tapping into the rich pool of athletes in the diaspora.

‘For the first time ever, in a move that reflects the high level of engagement we are having in communities globally, organisers of the London Youth Games have agreed to invite Team Nigeria Diaspora to this year’s Games.

‘We aim to be present at the athletics and netball events. This is a big one for us as it allows us the chance to showcase the talents we have already put together and track other prospects who we might be calling on to form Team Diaspora in the National Intermediate Games and the National Sports Festival,’ Adelakun stated.

He added that the Committee’s scouts across the globe will be further motivated by the opportunity.

‘It is not enough to spot these talents; there has to be platforms to access them as a team. The London Youth Games will afford us this opportunity. These are some of the events we believe we can use to promote who we are and give encouragement to our discovered talents that we are in this for the long haul.’

Dr. Adelakun also applauded the National Sports Commission for initiating the Diaspora Talents Development programme.

‘This is a game‑changing initiative by the National Sports Commission. They are doing so much in developing sports at the grassroots across the nation but are also keen to ensure that we take full advantage of the immense talents of Nigerian descent in the diaspora. This ensures that the nation doesn’t lack talents to take over from today’s gladiators.

‘We must give kudos to the NSC for being futuristic in their disposition to sports development. Let’s face it, these kids abroad are also Nigerians and deserve to feature for the country if they desire. It is our assignment at the Nigeria Diaspora Talents Development Committee to spot, sensitise and keep them in tune with their roots,’ he concluded.