In a state where sports coaching remains largely male-dominated, Coach Mfoniso E. Udoh stands out for her dedication and passion for nurturing young talents and creating opportunities for underrepresented female players. Her journey into football coaching is a calling born out of love, purpose, and a relentless commitment to impact lives through sport.
Coach Udo’s journey into coaching was inspired by her love for football and desire to contribute to its growth. However, her mission runs deeper than just training players; it revolves around discovering untapped potential, grooming young talents, especially girls and bringing the best out of them.
“My career as a coach comes as a result of the love I have for sports,” she reflects. “It’s not just about contributing to the growth of the game, but also being deeply rooted in my passion for grooming young talents, impacting them, and bringing the best out of them.”
Her coaching story began in Gombe State during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year back in 2019. It was there she first encountered the raw passion of young girls who dreamed of playing football but lacked both the platform and the mentorship to succeed.
Instead of turning away, Coach Udo took action. She initiated grassroots training sessions for these girls, many of whom were stepping onto a football pitch for the first time. That single decision marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the girls she coached and for herself.
With the realization that passion alone wasn’t enough, Coach Udo pursued professional training to deepen her expertise and provide better guidance for her players. She earned a Diploma in Football Coaching from the prestigious National Institute for Sports in Nigeria.
But she didn’t stop there.
Inspired by a hunger for continuous learning, she enrolled in several internationally recognized coaching courses and workshops, including:
“Lunch and Learn” Coaching Seminar, from Making Better Professionals (MBP) School of Coaches, Barcelona, Talent Identification Course – The Football Association (FA), England, EduBall National Workshop – Nigeria and UEFA Safeguarding Course for Coaches – Europe
Each program has equipped her with knowledge in player development, talent scouting, athlete safety, and strategic game planning.
Beyond technical knowledge, Coach Udo brings empathy, discipline, and vision to her coaching. Her players are not just athletes; they are young women being molded into confident, skilled, and focused individuals. She stands as a beacon of possibility for many girls, especially in underserved communities, proving that gender should never be a limitation in achieving one’s dreams.
Coach Udo’s story is a testament to what passion, education, and purpose can achieve in sports development. As she continues to seek higher certifications and expand her influence, one thing remains constant, her commitment to changing lives through football.
