Aluko Arranges Innovative First-Ever International Friendly Between Nigerian Diaspora and Pakistani Team at University of Hertfordshire
Nigeria Netball Federation (NNF) president, Dr. Esther Oluwatoyin Aluko, is making waves with her strategic move to gather diaspora talents for a historic netball match in London on Friday. This inaugural international friendly will pit Nigeria’s diaspora team against their Pakistani opponents at the University of Hertfordshire sports centre, marking a significant stride towards revitalizing Nigerian netball.
The event is part of an upcoming multi-sports competition among athletes born abroad to Nigerian parents, sponsored by the Nigeria Diaspora Talents Development Committee (NDTDC). This initiative has been spearheaded by NSC’s director-general, Hon. Bukola Olopade, who aims to uncover and encourage the next generation of netballers. By bringing together overseas-born talents with a common goal, Aluko is setting the stage for Nigeria to reclaim its former glory in the sport.
Reviving Post-Independence Pride
Contact between Nigerian sports authorities and diaspora athletes is growing stronger under the leadership of Dr. Tunde Adelakun, chairman of NDTDC. Adelakun has been a vocal advocate for netball, compiling lists of promising talents with Aluko. Both have been instrumental in advocating for Federation status for this previously overshadowed sport.
Encouraging Global Commitment
Olopade emphasizes that the diaspora’s global presence can be leveraged to bolster Nigeria’s national team.