NSC intensifies diaspora athlete drive with recognition for teenage sprint sensation

Posted : 13 May 2026

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has strengthened its push to attract and nurture Nigerian talents abroad, as Director General of the Commission, Bukola Olopade, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to developing elite athletes from grassroots discovery to global podium success.

Olopade made this known during a visit to the United Kingdom home of 14-year-old sprint prodigy, Annabelle Fasuba, who is currently regarded as the fastest girl in her age category in the UK.

The NSC boss said the Commission remains determined to create an enabling environment for talented Nigerians across the world to proudly represent the country at major international competitions.

According to him, engaging young athletes in the diaspora is a vital part of the Commission’s long-term vision of restoring Nigeria’s dominance in global sports.

“Nigeria wants you and will continue to support you in achieving the very best in your career,” Olopade stated during the visit.

He added that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to empower Nigerians globally and encourage them to contribute to national development through sports and other sectors.

Chairman of the NSC Diaspora Talent Committee, Tunde Adelakun, also stressed the importance of balancing sporting excellence with academic growth and long-term personal development.

Adelakun explained that the Committee’s Diaspora Athletes Monitoring, Mentoring and Support (DAMMS) initiative was designed not only to guide athletes toward sporting success, but also to ensure they maintain strong educational foundations for life beyond athletics.

The teenage sensation, daughter of former African sprint king Olusoji Fasuba, was presented with the NSC Podium Performance Prospect recognition award during the visit.

Fasuba and his wife, both former sprinters, expressed appreciation to the NSC delegation for identifying with their daughter and supporting her athletic journey.

The recognition marks the first international presentation under the Commission’s Project P4 (Podium Performance Prospect Project), an initiative aimed at discovering and integrating outstanding Nigerian-born athletes abroad into the country’s sporting system.

Annabelle is also among the young diaspora athletes being considered for participation at the forthcoming National Intermediate Games scheduled to hold in Lagos later this year, as the NSC continues efforts to reconnect elite Nigerian talents abroad with the nation’s sporting future.

The strategic engagement with talents like Annabelle Fasuba highlights the Commission's dedication to securing a bright future for Nigerian athletics on the world stage. By bridging the gap between diaspora athletes and national competitions, the NSC is establishing a sustainable pipeline for elite sporting success.

NSC intensifies diaspora athlete drive with recognition for teenage sprint sensation

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