The chairman of Nigeria Diaspora Talents Development Committee (NDTDC), Tunde Adelakun has confessed that he always feels hurt seeing sports talents of the country’s descent who are born abroad competing for nations of their birth, Sports247 reports.
Adelakun provided the revelation while speaking during a multi-sports competition organised in England by the committee for sports talents of Nigerian decent, who he assured will henceforth be encounraged and courted energetically to compete for their parents’ country.
He added during the disapora athletes’ competition at Hertfordshire Games Village in the UK that the National Sports Commission (NSC) is doing everything possible to ensure that talents of Nigerian descent are no longer lured to compete for European countries or USA.
The NDTDC chairman was also excited that the competition was graced by Nigeria’s individual Olympic Games gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa, seven-time Olympian in table tennis, Funke Oshonaike as well as former Super Eagles’ midfielder, Seyi George Olofinjana and ex-goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, who all gave the athletes tips on how to excel in their careers.
Also present was Nigeria women’s basketball national team, D’Tigress’ former captain, Dr. Sarah Ogoke, who is also NDTDC vice-chairman, and she expressed satisfaction with the competition, which featured exhibition games in netball, football, golf, table tennis, taekwondo and basketball.
In netball, Team Nigeria Diaspora Junior Hawks defeated Pakistan 33-13 while the basketball team beat Hatfield Selected 62-47; much to the delight of Adelakun, who thanked the NSC for empowering the committee, while also heaping plaudits on the guests and athletes for turning up.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to harvest the immense talents of Nigerian descent scattered across the globe. It hurt so much to lose so many talents in the past. Now we are here to right the wrongs. Once more, we thank the National Sports Commission for this initiative,” Adelakun stated.
His inspiring words were echoed by Nigeria’s high commissioner to Great Britain, Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, who emphasised the important role that sports play in uniting the nation and drawing people of diverse cultures together under one umbrella of love during international competitions.
“Sports is one thing that unites Nigerians. Sports bring us together and make us forget all our differences. It is a major tool of modern diplomacy. There is a lot to talk about in the benefits of sports. Sports men and women are always smarter, brighter and healthier.
“Therefore, I am happy to be here and will always be available whenever I am invited. For those of you who will go beyond this stage in your careers, I wish you the best,” Ambassador Dalhatu concluded, with a tone of satisfaction in his voice.
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