Manny Ita –
In a historic development, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that Nigerian diaspora athletes will participate in the inaugural National Intermediate Games scheduled to hold in Lagos later this year, competing under the designation of the “38th State.” The announcement marks the first time that athletes residing outside Nigeria will be formally integrated into a national multi-sport event, signaling a broadening of the country’s sports framework.
The NSC stated that this initiative aims to strengthen connections with Nigerian athletes abroad while providing a platform for showcasing talent that has emerged in foreign leagues and competitions. “Recognizing our diaspora athletes as the 38th State reflects our commitment to inclusivity and to tapping into the wealth of skill available to Nigeria globally,” said a senior NSC official.
Officials explained that the diaspora athletes will compete across multiple disciplines alongside their counterparts representing Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The decision, they said, also seeks to encourage knowledge transfer, mentorship, and collaboration between local and international athletes, enhancing the overall standard of sports development in the country.
The NSC further emphasized that eligibility criteria have been established to ensure that only athletes of Nigerian descent, who have demonstrated competitive performance internationally, will participate. “Our goal is to create a fair and transparent process that recognizes excellence while fostering national unity,” the commission added.
Sports analysts noted that the inclusion of diaspora athletes is likely to raise the competitiveness of the Games and attract increased media attention, sponsorship, and public engagement. They also highlighted that it aligns with global trends where nations leverage their diaspora communities to strengthen domestic sports programs and international representation.
Preparations for the National Intermediate Games are ongoing, with Lagos set to host athletes in state-of-the-art venues and training facilities. The NSC has indicated that the Games will serve as a critical platform for talent identification, potential inclusion in national teams, and promotion of sports at grassroots and intermediate levels.
The participation of the 38th State is widely viewed as a historic milestone, symbolizing both the global reach of Nigerian athletes and the country’s commitment to integrating its diaspora into national development initiatives.
