Chairman of the Diaspora Talent Discovery Committee Tunde Adelakun has revealed that Nigeria is implementing a structured and selective approach in identifying foreign-born players eligible to represent the country.
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Speaking on the initiative, Adelakun emphasized that not every eligible player will automatically be considered, as strict criteria have been put in place.
“Only the right players will be selected,” he said.
According to him, the program is designed to ensure Nigeria does not miss out on top talents born abroad, while maintaining quality and commitment to the national team.
“It’s a well-designed system,” he implied.
Adelakun explained that beyond talent, players must demonstrate the right attitude, discipline, and willingness to represent Nigeria.
“It’s not just about ability,” he noted.
He also highlighted the importance of having a clear pathway for diaspora players to integrate into the national setup.
“There is a structure,” he added.
For the committee, the goal is to create a sustainable pipeline of talent that blends seamlessly with locally developed players.
“We want balance,” he stressed.
The initiative reflects Nigeria’s renewed focus on talent identification and long-term squad development.
“We are building for the future,” he said.
As competition for dual-nationality players intensifies globally, Nigeria’s approach aims to be more strategic and intentional.
For Adelakun, the message is clear.
Be selective.
Be structured.
And build properly.
Because in modern football, recruitment is not just about finding talent, it’s about finding the right talent.
