The Ozoya Football Foundation is making waves in Nigerian grassroots football and education with its upcoming project in Edo State. As the foundation continues its mission to empower youth through sport and education, this initiative promises to make a significant impact on local communities.
In an exclusive interview, Monday Nas Ozoya, the visionary founder of the foundation, opened up about his passion for nurturing talent and his plans for the future. The foundation’s latest project—the School Exercise Books Initiative—is set to bring educational materials to children in Edo State, but the vision extends far beyond the distribution of books. It’s about giving children the tools to succeed academically and helping them see the potential for a brighter future through education and sport.
A Vision Born from Passion and Perseverance
When asked about the motivation behind the Ozoya Football Foundation, Monday Nas Ozoya shared his heartfelt story of growing up in Nigeria, where he saw raw, untapped talent in the children around him. “Many of these kids had the potential to excel but lacked the proper resources, coaching, and opportunities to develop,” he explained. “Football is not just a game; for many, it’s a way out—a chance at something bigger. I knew that if we didn’t start focusing on grassroots development, we would lose these kids before they even had the chance to dream big.”
This realization spurred Ozoya to found the Ozoya Football Foundation with a mission to advocate, inspire, develop, and support young football players while integrating education into the mix. “Building from the ground up in grassroots football is where the future begins,” he said. “When we invest in the future of our youth, we create a foundation for both the sport and our society.”
Impacting Communities: Edo State Project
The upcoming School Exercise Books initiative in Edo State is particularly close to Ozoya’s heart. For many children in rural areas, the cost of basic educational supplies like exercise books can be a significant barrier to learning. “This project isn’t just about distributing materials; it’s about sending a message that education matters and that every child, no matter their background, deserves the opportunity to succeed,” Ozoya said.
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By alleviating the financial burden on families, the project aims to provide a solid starting point for children, allowing them to focus on their studies and embrace learning as an opportunity for personal growth. “This is a step toward creating a culture of learning, where children feel empowered and supported,” he added. “The combination of education and sport will provide a dual pathway for empowerment.”
How to Support the Foundation
The Ozoya Football Foundation relies on the support of individuals, organizations, and communities to continue its important work. Whether it’s financial contributions to help fund scholarships and initiatives, volunteering time or expertise, or simply spreading awareness about the foundation’s mission, every form of support makes a tangible difference.
“We are always open to partnerships,” Ozoya explained. “If you’re an educational institution, a business, or even a local NGO, we welcome your collaboration to help expand our programs. By coming together, we can reach more children and provide them with the resources they need to thrive.”
A Powerful Message for the Future
Ozoya’s message for those following the foundation’s journey is simple but powerful: “Every small act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every shared opportunity counts. Every young person we reach is a seed planted for leadership, growth, and change—not just in football, but in life.”
As the foundation continues its journey, Ozoya remains driven by the belief that the seeds of hope planted today will grow into the leaders of tomorrow. “This is just the beginning,” he said with conviction. “We have so much more to build, so many more lives to touch, and so many more dreams to ignite. Stay with us, walk this journey with us, and together, we’ll create a legacy that goes far beyond the football field.”
With projects like the one in Edo State, the Ozoya Football Foundation is not only changing lives in the world of sports but also investing in the future of Nigeria’s youth, one book—and one football player—at a time.
