Ignite Megastars boss, Vize Daniyan, discusses the impact and future of the Ignite Soccer Stars program in this exclusive interview.
What inspired you to create the Ignite Soccer Stars programme?
The Ignite Soccer Stars program was born out of a passion to contribute to Nigeria’s sports development. My inspiration came in 2018, during the final stages of my MBA studies, when I explored the sports industry in Spain as part of a case study. The more I delved into it, the clearer my calling became. I felt a deep sense of purpose when I heard God’s voice saying, “You can do this in Nigeria.” This led me to envision a platform that would identify, nurture, and elevate grassroots soccer talent in Nigeria through technology.
What challenges have you faced in managing a program of this scale?
One of the key challenges was getting people to grasp the concept of individual talent identification in a team sport like soccer. Many struggled to understand how this could work in Nigeria. Another challenge was the technical side of building the sport-tech platform, which required expertise that we initially lacked. But with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, we overcame these obstacles and refined our approach.
What makes your approach unique and how has it been received?
Our approach is unique because it combines grassroots soccer with innovative technology and fan engagement. The platform allows fans and experts to vote and assess emerging talent, ensuring transparency in the identification process. Beyond the competition, we focus on holistic development—providing players with opportunities for professional growth, access to coaching, exposure to scouts, and mentorship. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with players enjoying the individual recognition, and fans appreciating their involvement in shaping Nigerian soccer's future.
What strategies are you employing for Season 2 of the Journey?
Season 2 will build upon the successes of the pilot season. We’ve partnered with Juventus Academy Nigeria, offering scholarships to our top players, and we are forging more partnerships with academies and clubs for career development opportunities. We aim to enhance fan engagement with challenges and prizes, such as cash rewards and match tickets. We’re also expanding our digital presence through targeted social media campaigns to increase visibility.
What specific impacts have you seen on participants and their communities?
Participants have experienced a significant boost in confidence, both as athletes and as individuals. They’ve gained access to quality coaching and mentorship, resulting in marked improvements in their skills. Communities and parents are increasingly supportive, knowing there is a clear path for young players to gain recognition and opportunities. The program has also contributed to job creation in various sectors within the sports industry, such as coaching and media production.
How do you ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process?
Our selection process is designed to be transparent and fair. Players register through our website or local academies and undergo an initial screening. The top 70 participants are selected based on their skills and showcased before a team of coaches and scouts. Throughout the competition, fans and the technical team can vote, with each vote recorded on the player’s profile for full visibility. The technical team, which includes diverse coaches and former professionals, evaluates participants based on merit, using a clear rubric to minimize bias.
Where do you see Ignite Soccer Stars in five years?
In five years, we envision Ignite Soccer Stars becoming a premier pan-African platform for identifying and developing grassroots soccer talent. We aim to expand into other African countries, especially those with limited infrastructure, and build more partnerships with local and international organizations. We also plan to integrate advanced sports technologies, such as AI-driven performance tracking, to offer players personalized feedback, enhancing their development both on and off the field.
Source: Punch
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