More women needed in leadership positions — Udoka Edike

Udoka Edike is founder of the NextFootballStars Foundation and Chief Operating Officer of Stanza Farms. She tells OGHENOVO EGODO-MICHAEL about her career and passion for touching lives with football

Tell us about your childhood and how it shaped who you are today?

Even though I am from Delta State, I was born and raised in Lagos. By the time I was 15, I had lived in different parts of the city, including Igando, Festac, Surulere and Lekki. So, I consider myself a true Lagosian. Growing up in Lagos exposed me to all kinds of people and perspectives. It is a city that is as diverse as it is dynamic, and being in constant interaction with different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences has greatly shaped who I am today as a humanist.

Football was, and still is, a unifying force across all of Lagos. Whether you were in the heart of Surulere or Igando, football had a way of bringing people together. I grew up with five brothers and uncles who were deeply passionate about the sport, so football was naturally woven into the fabric of my life. We would have five-a-side matches in our family compound, and I became a Manchester United fan—something that has stayed with me to this day.

Attending boarding school in Lagos also taught me a lot about discipline and teamwork, but my real love for football and community grew during my university years. Whenever I was home on holiday, I would organise football competitions for disadvantaged kids in the neighbourhood, offering food items and small cash tokens as prizes to spread joy and motivation. What began as a fun way to bring people together eventually evolved into something more profound.

The turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic. While I had been organising neighborhood football matches just for fun, the pandemic made me realise the importance of giving back on a bigger level. During that period, I began purchasing and distributing food to those struggling during the economic downturn. It became clear that I could channel my passion for football and philanthropy to make a measurable impact in the lives of underprivileged children. That is what ultimately led to the founding of the NextFootballStars Foundation, where I am focused on empowering young people through football and education, offering them the opportunities I believe they deserve.

Lagos made me resourceful, compassionate and aware of how much can be achieved when people are given a chance.

What inspired your transition from banking and finance to business consulting and starting the foundation?

While working in banking and finance, I was fortunate to develop skills that helped me understand the importance of strategic planning and economic growth. However, I realised that I wanted to apply those skills to something more personal and impactful—helping youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially through football, which was my passion growing up. Starting the foundation allowed me to combine my love for football and my desire to create social change, while business consulting continues to be a space where I support others in their professional journeys.

How did your education at Middlesex University London influence your approach to business and social impact?

Middlesex University taught me to approach challenges analytically, think globally, and act locally. My degree in International Business Management exposed me to different perspectives of leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, all of which have informed how I run both my consulting business and the foundation. It also strengthened my belief in the power of partnerships and community-driven initiatives.

What is the primary mission of the foundation?

The motivation for creating the 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 foundation is to empower disadvantaged youth, particularly from marginalised communities, by providing a platform to showcase their football talent, 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 programmes 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 programmes 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 both them and the foundation. The sense of hope, confidence, and direction we help instill in these young talents is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work.

How does the foundation make a difference in the lives of young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds?

We do much more than just train young footballers. We provide shelter, nutrition, care, healthcare, and a sense of belonging to those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. By offering consistent guidance and mentorship, we help these young individuals gain a strong sense of direction and purpose. Football is the platform, but our mission is deeper, we aim to equip them with life skills, discipline, and hope for a brighter future. We’ve seen remarkable transformations—children who were once on the brink of losing their way now finding new meaning, confidence and opportunities they never thought possible.

Can you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve 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 organisations 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’ve 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 prioritisation 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’re passionate about something, you find a way to make it work.

Who are your role models or mentors in the field of social impact and business?

I am deeply inspired by Dupe Olusola, the Managing Director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc. 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.

What are your plans for the foundation?

We plan to expand our programmes 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 programmes. In the long run, we hope to build a permanent academy that houses and trains these young talents while providing them with access to education and mentorship.

Are there other social impact areas you are passionate about that you would like to explore in the future?

Yes, I am particularly passionate about education and women’s empowerment. I would love to explore how we can provide more access to quality education for girls in underserved areas and empower them through sports and leadership development.

What advice do you have for 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!

Where’s your favourite holiday location?

That would be San Juan, Puerto Rico.