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By Rita Okoye
Udoka Myra Edike, hails from Delta State but was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. She is the founder of the NextFootballStars Foundation and doubles as the COO of Stanza Farms.
In this interview with Daily Sun, Myra who holds a master’s degree in International Business Management from Middlesex University London discusses her passion for social impact, love for football, and plans to expand her football programs to more states in Nigeria and across Africa.
How did you find yourself in Football?
Growing up in a household with five brothers and uncles who were deeply passionate about football, it became an inseparable part of my life. I have been a Manchester United fan for as long as I can remember. During university holidays, I use to organize football competitions among disadvantaged kids in Igando, Lagos where I would give out food items and small cash tokens as prizes as motivation and give joy to contestants..
What inspired your transition from banking and finance to business consulting and founding the NextFootballStars Foundation?
While I was working in banking and finance sector, I was fortunate to develop skills that helped me understand the importance of strategic planning and economic growth. However, I realized that I wanted to apply these skills to something more personal and impactful; helping youths from disadvantaged backgrounds, through football, which was my passion while growing up.
Now, establishing the NextFootballStars Foundation has given me the platform to combine my love for football and desire to create social change while business consulting continues to be a space where I support others in their professional journeys.
What motivated you to create the NextFootballStars Foundation, and what is the primary mission of the organization?
The motivation for creating the NextFootballStars Foundation came from my deep belief in the power of football to transform lives. I witnessed firsthand how many talented but underprivileged kids were being overlooked simply because they lacked the resources and support to pursue their dreams.
The idea of combining my passion for football and giving back grew during the economic downturn brought on by COVID-19. The primary mission of the NextFootballStars Foundation is to empower disadvantaged youths, particularly from marginalized communities by providing a platform to showcase their football talents, build character, and create pathways out of poverty. Through football, we aim to equip these young individuals not only with the skills they need on the pitch but also with the life skills and direction they need off the pitch to succeed.
How do you identify and support young football talents through the foundation, and what impact have you seen so far?
We actively seek out talent by conducting scouting programs in underserved and poor communities, focusing on kids who need our help the most. These are areas where football talent often goes unnoticed, and our goal is to give these young players the platform they deserve.
Our programs provide not only exposure but also coaching, mentorship, and opportunities to join football academies.
So far, we have seen incredible progress—three boys from Lagos recently represented us at the Bayern Youth Tournament in Enugu, which was a major achievement for them and the foundation. The sense of hope, confidence, and direction we help instill in these young talents are some of the most rewarding aspects of our work.
Can you share some of the biggest challenges you have faced in running the foundation, as well as some of its most significant achievements?
One of the greatest challenges we currently face is the lack of adequate training pitches and facilities, coupled with the high cost of the few available. We call on the government to step in and support our youth, as access to quality facilities will provide a level playing field and help our kids compete with their counterparts from other countries.
Another challenge is that the foundation has been largely self-funded, with incredible support from friends and family.
However, this model is not sustainable in the long term. We appeal to well-meaning organizations and individuals to support us by donating food items, water, training kits and equipment, and providing scholarships—whether educational or for skills acquisition. Volunteering as mentors for these young talents would also make a tremendous difference.
Despite these challenges, we have had remarkable successes, including hosting tournaments, housing and mentoring over 30 boys, and having three of our players rank among the top 10 out of over 300 participants in the Bayern Youth Cup in Lagos. Seeing their growth and potential come to life is incredibly rewarding.
How do you balance the demands of running a foundation with your personal life and other professional commitments?
It’s all about prioritization and time management. I have a fantastic team at the foundation, and that helps a lot. I also make sure to set aside time for my personal life and self-care, knowing that I need to be at my best to lead effectively. It can be challenging, but when you are passionate about something, you find a way to make it work.
Do you have an upcoming project that you are excited about?
We have an Upcoming Charity Cup to commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. We are hosting our annual Charity Cup on October 17, 2024, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
This event is a chance for us to bring the community together, showcase local talent, and raise awareness about the critical role football plays in combating poverty. We cannot do this alone, and we need volunteers and supporters to join hands with us in helping take our youth off the streets.
Who are your role models or mentors in the field of social impact and business?
I am inspired by Dupe Olusola, a great Nigerian. Her remarkable journey of breaking barriers in the corporate world motivates me, especially as a woman striving for leadership in business and philanthropy. She exemplifies the power of resilience, vision, and determination, showing that no challenge is too great when passion drives you.
In the world of football, I am privileged to have Abba Mukhtar Mohammed, the current FCT Football Association Chairman, as my mentor. His unwavering support and invaluable guidance have been invaluable. He believes in the transformative power of football and is always there to encourage us to reach higher.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for the NextFootballStars Foundation? How do you envision it growing in the coming years?
We plan to expand our programs to more states across Nigeria and eventually across Africa. We also want to deepen our support for the players off the pitch by providing more educational opportunities and personal development programs. In the long run, we hope to build a permanent academy which houses and trains these young talents while providing them with access to education and mentorship.
What is the role of sports in poverty eradication?
The importance of sports in eradicating poverty cannot be overstated. Football offers opportunities for young people not only to develop their talents but also to gain life skills, discipline, and leadership qualities. It gives them hope and a chance to dream beyond their immediate surroundings. Our goal is to help these youths channel their energy and passion into something productive, keeping them off the streets, and away from crime.
What advice would you give to women who aspire to break into the business world, and pursue social change?
My advice is to believe in yourself and your vision. Don’t wait for the perfect conditions to start—begin where you are and with what you have. Surround yourself with a supportive network and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The world needs more women in leadership and social change, so go for it.
How do you find time to relax?
I enjoy reading, spending time with family, and listening to music. Football is also a way for me to unwind, even though it’s part of my work now!
