Mercy and the girls at training
By Akanimo Kufre
1999 Winner of CAF African Woman Player of the Year, Mercy Akide Udoh was in Uyo on Wednesday to give back to society as the festive season winds down.
Mercy in the company of her husband, Mr. Colins Udoh and the crew organized a scouting camp to select talented female players for scholarship opportunities in the United States of America collegiate programmed.
Mercy was Nigeria’s first beneficiary of a similar scholarship program in the USA and also became the first African woman to play professional football (soccer) outside the continent.
The selection training camp event tagged, ‘Play 2 Learn’, was previously opened in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on 4-5th January 2025.
The Uyo leg of the scouting program had about 40 girls between the ages of 15-20 years who participated at the Uyo Township Stadium on 8th January 2025.
According to Mercy, women are certain to support and develop their home once they have a good fortune.
“My late mother was my biggest supporter when I was going through difficult moments as a footballer. I want to help the little girl have the opportunity to better their lives, get an education, and also play the sport that they love.”
Mercy, who was the first African Woman in FIFA top 10 award nominees in 1999, is currently coaching at the Steel United FC and Club Director, Girls Program. She is also an Assistant Director, Virginia Beach, with specific interests for girls to play in College Showcase.
Mercy and others in a group photograph.
During interactive sessions with the girls, Mercy answered questions on life and schooling experience in a well-structured society, explaining to the girls the difference between D1, D2, and D3 college scholarships for marquee African students in the USA.
The Member of FIFA IFAB Panel, Mercy, emphasized that the girls must go beyond improving their academic results but also work harder to make their football (soccer) skills impressive by next summer (June and July).
A special guest who visited the selection training camp was quite impressed with Mercy for her wise choice to give back to Nigerian girls, especially those in Akwa Ibom State.
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kufre Edidem recalled how Mercys exploit made Nigerians proud in her heydays and appealed to the girls and parents to maximize the scholarship opportunities.
“I want to thank Mercy for deciding to give back to society. Her decision to make sure the girls do not go through tougher times before getting to the top in their football career. I want to thank her more because she didn’t just come to Nigeria but came to Akwa Ibom State. I thank Colin Udoh for deciding that this give back should start in his own home.
Their programme resonates with our governor’s Arise Agenda for sports and sport infrastructure development in AkwaIbom State.”
Mr. Udoh on his part, appreciated the Deputy Speaker for his visit and also thanked Mr. Paul Bassey for assistance to access the Uyo Township Stadium as well as other facilities used in the ‘Play 2 Learn’ programme.
