The National Sports Commission (NSC) has unveiled plans to stage open trials in the United Kingdom for Nigerian athletes in the diaspora, aimed at widening talent identification and strengthening development pathways.
The initiative, tagged the Invited Diaspora Athletes programme, is designed to integrate Nigerian-born athletes living abroad into Nigeria’s sports system and to create clearer pathways into national teams.
Standout performers from the trials will be considered for the newly introduced Nigerian Intermediate Games, a competition created to bridge the gap between youth and elite levels, especially for athletes aged 17 to 19.
Director General of the commission, Bukola Olopade, said the reforms form part of a long-term plan to reposition Nigerian sport.
“What we are doing at the National Sports Commission is not accidental, it is a deliberate, well-structured pathway to sporting excellence,” Olopade said.
“From discovering talents at the grassroots through the Invited Junior Athletes programme, to opening doors for our diaspora talents, and now creating the Intermediate Games to bridge the development gap, we are building a sustainable pipeline for Nigeria’s future champions.”
Olopade said the broader objective is to provide a clear development structure from youth to elite competition.
“Our goal is clear: to ensure that no talent is lost and that every athlete has a defined pathway to reach elite performance and represent Nigeria with pride on the global stage,” he said.
The commission confirmed that about 200 Nigerian athletes based abroad are expected to attend the UK trials in May. Officials say the move will help ensure continuity in athlete development and better prepare participants for senior competition.
The new programme builds on the Invited Junior Athletes scheme, which the commission says has already produced emerging talents who have progressed from grassroots competitions to international development pathways.
Currently, athletes aged 10 to 16 compete at the National Youth Games, while elite prospects feature at the National Sports Festival. The Intermediate Games are intended to close the gap between the two levels.
