The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced that its “Invited Diaspora Athletes” (IDA) initiative will debut at the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games scheduled to take place in Lagos later this year.
The disclosure was made in a statement by Kola Daniel, Special Adviser in the Office of the Director-General of the commission, Bukola Olopade.
According to Daniel, the IDA initiative is one of several reforms introduced by the NSC under the leadership of Shehu Dikko and Olopade. He explained that the programme was established as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE).
Olopade noted that since the inauguration of the Diaspora Discovery Athletes Committee, chaired by Tunde Adelakun, there has been growing interest among Nigerians abroad to represent the country in sporting events.
He said this increasing enthusiasm informed the decision to fully integrate the IDA team into this year’s Intermediate Games in Lagos.
“We are very excited about this initiative because of the immediate and long-term impact it will have on sports development in Nigeria.
“At the Intermediate Games in Lagos, about 50 athletes from the diaspora will compete under the IDA banner.
“This will significantly enhance Nigeria’s competitive edge at major international competitions,” he said.
Adelakun also expressed confidence in the team’s preparedness for the Games and subsequent national competitions, while commending the NSC for implementing the initiative.
He revealed that arrangements were underway to establish a training camp in Europe, where invited diaspora athletes would assemble ahead of the Games.
“The athletes are enthusiastic about this opportunity, as it is unprecedented in the country’s sporting history,” he said.
At the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Ogun last year, Invited Junior Athletes competed as the 37th state and recorded notable success, winning several medals.
Similarly, the Invited Diaspora Athletes will participate in this year’s Intermediate Games as the 38th state.