Ignite Megastars boss, Vize Daniyan, discusses the tech-driven football talent discovery program, its impact on grassroots development, and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO
What inspired you to create the Ignite Soccer Stars programme?
The Ignite Soccer Stars program was inspired by a profound vision and a strong desire to contribute to Nigeria’s transformative journey. The journey began in 2018, during the final stages of my MBA studies, when I had the unique opportunity to explore the sports industry in Spain as part of a case study for class discussions. As I delved into the topic, I could sense a stirring within me, and then, I heard God speak clearly; “You can do this in Nigeria.” This moment marked a pivotal turning point, where the vision for Ignite Soccer Stars began to take shape. I started to ask myself critical questions about how we could replicate the success of grassroots sports development in Spain within the Nigerian context. This vision led to the birth of the Ignite Soccer Stars concept, which aims to identify, nurture, and elevate individual grassroots soccer talent in Nigeria using a technology platform.
What challenges have you faced in managing a program of this scale?
The journey has certainly come with its own set of challenges. One of the first and most significant hurdles we faced was getting people to understand the concept. Soccer is inherently a team sport, and many struggled to see how a program focused on individual talent identification could thrive in this context. The second major challenge was the technical skill gap in building the platform. Ignite Soccer Stars was designed to be more than just a traditional soccer program; it incorporates a sport-tech platform that allows fans and technical soccer experts to evaluate emerging talents via votes. Building this technology required expertise we initially didn’t have in-house. However, by the grace of God and through perseverance, we overcame both challenges. We worked tirelessly to educate people on the value of individual talent identification and sought out the right technical expertise to help us develop and refine the platform.
What makes your approach unique and how has it been received?
The Ignite Soccer concept is unique because it combines grassroot soccer competitions with cutting-edge technology and fan engagement. Our sport-tech platform allows fans and technical experts to come together to evaluate emerging talents, ensuring a transparent system of talent identification and selection. Beyond the competition and visibility, we focus on holistic development through mentorship and career development. We don’t just identify talent, we also work towards providing them with opportunities for professional career advancements, access to professional coaching, exposure to scouts, and support for players to navigate their careers both on and off the field. The reception has been very positive. Players appreciate the platform’s emphasis on individual recognition, while fans enjoy being part of the talent identification process, knowing their votes and opinions matter in shaping the future of Nigerian soccer.
What strategies are you employing for Season 2 of the Journey?
Firstly, season 1 (pilot) was a great starting point and we would be building on that for season 2. In season 1, we forged partnership with Juventus Academy in Nigeria to give scholarship opportunities to our top 3 players, to further develop their game professionally. For season 2, we are engaging more academies and clubs to create more professional career development opportunities for our talents.
We’re also looking to increase brand participation through collaborations with organizations that support sports and youth development. We’re enhancing fan engagement by introducing challenges with prizes such as cash, access to private events and match tickets etc. We’ll host virtual and in-person events where fans can meet players and interact with coaches. Additionally, we’re investing more in targeted social media campaigns and expanding our digital presence to increase visibility.
What specific impacts have you seen on participants and their communities?
Participants have reported a significant boost in their confidence, not just as athletes but as individuals. The program has provided them with access to quality coaching, training resources, and expert mentorship, which has translated into noticeable improvements in their technical abilities. The visibility has sparked renewed interest in grassroots soccer development. Parents and local communities have become more proactive in supporting young talents, knowing there’s a clear path for recognition and opportunities. The program has also contributed to job creation in various spheres within the sports sector, from coaching and sports management to event organization and media production.
How do you ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process?
Our process begins with open registration for youth players between ages 16-19 through our website and local soccer academies. After initial screening, selected players showcase their skills before experienced coaches and scouts who choose the top 70 participants for the competition. These participants undergo two months of professional training and mentorship before the tournament phase. After the matches, which are usually streamed live on social media, both fans and the technical team can vote via our platform. While fans pay to vote, the technical team votes for free, and a combination of both determines advancement. Every point given to a player is recorded on their profile on our website and this is visible to everyone to ensure complete transparency. The technical team uses a clear, objective rubric when assessing players, ensuring all participants are held to the same standards. This objectivity helps counterbalance any potential biases from fan votes, making sure decisions are rooted in merit. The technical team includes diverse coaches, scouts, and former professional players who evaluate participants based on technical skills and overall sportsmanship.
Where do you see Ignite Soccer Stars in five years?
We envision becoming one of the premier platforms for identifying and nurturing grassroots soccer talents in Africa. Our goal is to expand beyond Nigeria into a pan-African program that includes talent from various countries across the continent, especially reaching underrepresented regions where grassroots soccer infrastructure is limited. We plan to increase partnerships with local and international organizations while developing comprehensive career pathways that include life skills training, mental health support, and educational opportunities for these talents. We’ll also focus on integrating sports technology, including data analytics, performance tracking, and AI-driven tools to provide players with personalized feedback and enhance their development.