Amokachi Embraces UN Role, Intensifies Fight for Youth Mental Health Through Sport

Former Everton striker and Super Eagles legend, Daniel Amokachi, has pledged to intensify his campaign for youth mental health through football following his appointment as a United Nations Football for the Goals Champion.

Amokachi described the prestigious recognition as a call to greater service, saying it has strengthened his resolve to use the power of sport to promote mental well-being and support young people across the world.

The former Nigeria international received the honour during the United Nations high-level event, One World, One Game, One Goal: Football for the Goals (FFTG) Initiative, held at the UN Headquarters in New York. The event brought together leading football personalities, policymakers and youth advocates to explore how sport can advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve mental health globally.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP Sports by telephone from New York, Amokachi said his appointment was a recognition of the work being carried out by the Daniel Amokachi Eduplus Youth Development Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to using football and education as tools for social development.

According to the former Super Eagles forward, the foundation’s programmes are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with particular emphasis on youth mental health, quality education, zero hunger and community development.

He explained that the organisation has consistently championed mental health awareness among young athletes while creating opportunities for grassroots football development and social empowerment.

“Our foundation has already been doing a lot of work on youth mental health. Football provides a powerful platform to educate, inspire and support young people, both on and off the pitch,” Amokachi said.

“Now that I have been appointed a United Nations Football for the Goals Champion, I am looking forward to working closely with the UN to understand its programme and identify areas where we can contribute even more.

“As a champion, I remain committed to protecting the mental health of players and athletes as they build their careers and become responsible members of society.”

Amokachi stressed that mental health should occupy a central place in sports development, noting that young athletes often face enormous psychological pressures that require structured support from coaches, administrators and stakeholders.

The former African Cup of Nations winner also urged governments, sporting organisations and development partners to invest more in programmes that combine education, football and mental health advocacy to help young people realise their full potential.

Reflecting on Nigerian football, Amokachi called on football administrators, players, coaches and the media to draw valuable lessons from the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

He said all stakeholders must put aside their differences and work collectively towards ensuring Nigeria returns to football’s biggest stage at the next FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

“We must learn from what happened. Everyone has a role to play—the football managers, the players, the coaches, the media and the supporters. If we unite behind the national team and focus on the right structures, I believe Nigeria can qualify for the next World Cup,” he added.

Amokachi’s appointment places him among a select group of global sports personalities using football as a platform to promote the United Nations’ sustainable development agenda, reinforcing the growing recognition of sport as a powerful instrument for social change, youth empowerment and improved mental well-being.