The National Sports Commission (NSC) has launched its diaspora talent search abroad, naming 14-year-old sprint standout Annabelle Fasuba as the first recipient of the Podium Performance Prospect Project (P4). The initiative is designed to spot and develop promising athletes from outside Nigeria’s shores.
NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade led a delegation to the Fasuba family home in the United Kingdom, where Annabelle received the P4 recognition award. The visit marked the programme’s initial formal appearance in the diaspora.
Quick facts
- NSC’s first diaspora beneficiary under P4 is 14-year-old sprint athlete Annabelle Fasuba.
- NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade presented the award in the United Kingdom.
- P4’s overseas push is tied to the Renewed Hope agenda and restoring Nigeria’s sporting prominence.
- Dr ‘Tunde Adelakun highlighted support beyond sport, including academics and planning after athletics.
- Fasuba is described as the fastest girl in her age bracket in the UK.
- A diaspora delegation is being considered for the National Intermediate Games in Lagos later this year.
Olopade said the Commission wants more young Nigerian athletes based overseas to remain connected to the national sports programme. The aim is for them to carry Nigeria’s colours into major international events, helping the country reclaim its position among the leading sporting nations.
“Nigeria wants you and will make sure we give you all the support you need to get to the very top in your career,” Olopade said.
The DG added that the approach aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope mandate. He said the goal is to rebuild and sustain an enabling setting for Nigerians around the world to compete and contribute to national pride through sport.
Support extends beyond the track
Dr ‘Tunde Adelakun, who chairs the NSC’s Diaspora Talent Committee, said the Committee’s work is not limited to sporting excellence. He stressed that the plan is also about protecting athletes’ long-term wellbeing, including ensuring they are progressing academically and safeguarding their future beyond their careers in athletics.
Adelakun pointed to the committee’s flagship effort, the Diaspora Athletes Monitoring, Mentoring and Support (DAMMS) initiative, describing Annabelle as a strong match for what the NSC board is setting out to build.
Annabelle is already recognised as the fastest girl in her age group in the United Kingdom. She has been widely viewed as a talent with the kind of potential that could define a generation in track and field.
She is the daughter of Nigerian Olympian and former African 100m record holder Olusoji Fasuba. Her family background in sprinting adds to the expectation surrounding her development.
Following the programme’s recognition, Fasuba and his wife—who is also a former sprinter—thanked the NSC delegation for making the trip and honouring their daughter.
Looking ahead, athletes with similar profiles to Annabelle are already being approached about joining a diaspora contingent for the National Intermediate Games. The event is scheduled to be staged in Lagos later this year, with anticipation building for the competition.
