Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has appointed renowned sports Journalist Ayodele Olu Ibidapo alongside 13 other distinguished professionals into a high-level Diaspora Talent Discovery Committee aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s talent identification network beyond its borders.
The committee, made up of 14 members, is designed to harness the expertise and global reach of Nigerian sports stakeholders in the diaspora to identify, engage, and integrate talented athletes into the country’s sports ecosystem.
Ayodele Ibidapo, a respected journalist with extensive experience in sports media, earned his place on the committee in recognition of his contributions to sports development.
He previously worked with Brila FM before serving at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as Head of Digital Media.
Currently based in the United Kingdom, Ibidapo continues to cover major international sporting events.
The NSC noted that the committee will play a critical role in expanding Nigeria’s talent pool by connecting with athletes of Nigerian descent across the globe, ultimately boosting the nation’s competitiveness on the international stage.
The committee is chaired by UK-based sports administrator, Dr. Tunde Adelakun, whose experience spans roles with both the Nigeria national football team and the Benin Republic national team. His appointment reflects the Commission’s commitment to leveraging global expertise in advancing Nigeria’s sports development framework.
Other members of the committee include prominent sports journalist Colin Udoh; former sprint star Olusoji Fasuba; ex-international athletes Marilyn Okoro and Olufunke Oshonaike; and former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana.
Also serving are former Nigeria international goalkeeper Carl Ikeme; sports development advocate Ahmed Muhammed; taekwondo athlete Jordan Joel; Mr. Oyilei Orode; Canada-based journalist Adewale Ajayi; and Clement Nwakpa, who will act as the Committee’s Media Officer.
To further strengthen its leadership structure, Abigail Marshall Katung has been appointed First Vice Chairman, David Omigie as Second Vice Chairman, and former D’Tigress captain Sarah Ogoke as Third Vice Chairman.
The NSC emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to institutionalize diaspora engagement in sports development, ensuring that Nigeria fully taps into its global reservoir of talent.
