Founder, NextFootballStars Foundation, Udoka Myra Edike, has shown ample commitment to youth empowerment through football, leveraging her foundation. Edike, an indigene of Delta State who grew up in Lagos, has a background in banking and finance, and a master’s degree in International Business Management from Middlesex University London. In this interview, after staging a Charity Cup to commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, explains her passion for youth development.
Can you tell us more about the Charity Cup?
The Charity Cup was organised to commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and raise awareness about youth empowerment through football. This second edition of the tournament kicked off on October 11th and culminated on the 17th. We had 18 teams battling it out in a knockout format, alongside five teams playing showcase matches on the final day. Our NextFootballStars Foundation team emerged victorious in a 1-0 win against Burna Boy Football Academy. It was a day filled with talent, sportsmanship, and community spirit, all aimed at promoting our Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through sports.
Beyond Football at NextFootballStars, we provide far more than just football training. Our support extends to shelter, education, life skills, mentorship, health and nutrition, character building, career guidance, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. By offering these essential services, we aim to uplift not just the individuals but entire communities.
Who are the major organisers?
The event was organised by the NextFootballStars Foundation, with major support from Century Group, the Lagos State Sports Commission, Alime Homes, and other partners and sponsors. We also received significant help from local volunteers and coaches, whose dedication and hard work made the event a resounding success.
It was a successful event! Our NextFootballStars Foundation team not only won the match against Burna Boy Football Academy but also had one of our players named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the entire tournament. Watching their growth, both as players and individuals, was incredibly rewarding. Their discipline and commitment truly shone throughout the tournament.
What was the most exciting part of the event?
The most exciting part for me was witnessing the energy and passion displayed by the young players. Many of these boys come from difficult circumstances, and to see them perform with such a skill and determination was inspiring. The moment we scored the winning goal was electrifying, but the true highlight was watching our player receive the MVP award—it was a proud moment for all of us.
Aside from the 18 local teams in the knockout tournament, we hosted showcase matches with teams like Ojodu City FC, MD Academy, Charlesann FC, Burna Boy Football Academy, and 90 Minutes FC from Benin Republic. Each team brought a unique energy, and we are immensely grateful to all of them for contributing to the event’s success.
Any prize money for winners?
Yes, we awarded cash prizes to the winners. The winning team received N500,000, the runners-up N250,000, and the Most Valuable Player, who was from our team, received N100,000. These prizes are part of our ongoing efforts to support and encourage young football talent.
What’s next for NextFootballStars Foundation?
We are just getting started. Our next step is to broaden our reach, especially to out-of-school children, ensuring they not only have the opportunity to play football but also access to education. We also aim to increase our support for girls, provide more scholarships, improve training facilities, and focus on life skills development. The Charity Cup was just one of many initiatives we have planned, and we’re excited about the future of the NextFootballStars Foundation.
Why 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’ve been a Manchester United fan for as long as I can remember. During university holidays, I used to organise football competitions among disadvantaged kids in Igando, Lagos, giving out food items and small cash tokens as prizes to spread joy and motivation.
But my journey evolved. What started as neighborhood matches for fun took a more meaningful turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. Witnessing the economic hardship it brought, I began purchasing and distributing food items to the less fortunate. It was then I realised I could combine my passion for football and giving back to make a measurable impact. Thus, the NextFootballStars Foundation was born.
How can sports help to eradicate poverty?
The importance of sports in eradicating poverty cannot be overstated. Football offers opportunities for young people to not only 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.
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