NSC to Hold Diaspora Athletes Trials for Nigerians in the UK Ahead of Major National Competitions
NSC to Hold Diaspora Athletes Trials for Nigerians in the UK Ahead of Major National Competitions
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced plans to conduct special trials for Nigerian athletes based in the United Kingdom as part of a broader initiative to integrate diaspora talents into the country’s sporting system.
According to the Commission, the exercise will involve hundreds of athletes of Nigerian descent living abroad, with about 600 expected to participate in the selection process. The initiative is designed to identify, assess, and include outstanding performers into Nigeria’s competitive sports framework.
The Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, explained that the move is part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s talent pipeline and improving representation at both national and international competitions. He noted that the diaspora trials will provide a structured pathway for athletes to compete in major events such as the National Intermediate Games in Lagos and the National Sports Festival, tagged Coal City 2026.
The programme is also linked to the “Invited Diaspora Athletes (IDA)” initiative, which allows foreign-based Nigerian athletes to compete under a unified national system. This strategy is expected to deepen talent discovery while ensuring that no qualified athlete is left out of national representation opportunities.
Officials say the initiative reflects a renewed focus on athlete welfare, talent development, and global competitiveness, as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its position in international sports.
