Mercy Akide Udoh, the first African woman to play professional football outside the continent and the 1999 CAF African Woman Player of the Year, hosted a scouting camp in Uyo on January 8, 2025. The initiative, titled “Play 2 Learn,” aims to identify and support talented young female footballers aged 15-20 by offering them opportunities for U.S. collegiate scholarships.
Akide shared that her motivation stems from her late mother’s unwavering support during her football career. She emphasized the potential for education and sports to transform the lives of young girls. During interactive sessions, Akide explained the distinctions between D1, D2, and D3 college scholarships, offering guidance for preparing for next summer’s scholarship evaluations.
Rt. Hon. Kufre Edidem, Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, lauded Mercy for her initiative and aligned it with the state’s Arise Agenda, which focuses on sports and infrastructure development. Mr. Colin Udoh, Mercy’s husband, expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including Mr. Paul Bassey, for facilitating resources for the program.
Editorial
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Mercy Akide Udoh’s “Play 2 Learn” initiative is a commendable effort to empower young female footballers. By leveraging her experience and platform, Mercy is not only nurturing talent but also providing pathways for education and personal growth. Her emphasis on balancing academic excellence with athletic prowess highlights the holistic approach required to succeed in collegiate sports.
The Uyo event, held at the Uyo Township Stadium, is the second session following the program’s launch in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, earlier in the month. About 40 participants showcased their skills while learning about scholarship opportunities and the importance of combining academic and athletic excellence.
This program reflects the untapped potential of grassroots football in Nigeria, particularly among young women. With the right support, these players can excel on and off the field, contributing to the broader narrative of Nigerian excellence in global sports.
Such initiatives also call for greater collaboration among private sponsors, government agencies, and sports organizations to ensure sustainability. Mercy’s commitment is a model for other professionals looking to give back and inspire the next generation.
Did You Know?
- Mercy Akide Udoh was the first Nigerian woman to receive a U.S. collegiate football scholarship.
- She is a former FIFA ambassador, advocating for women’s football development globally.
- “Play 2 Learn” combines football training with educational mentorship, focusing on U.S. scholarship pathways.
- Akide was a three-time African Women’s Cup of Nations champion with Nigeria.
- Akwa Ibom State is actively promoting sports development under its Arise Agenda initiative.
