From the streets of Abuja to drawing praise from Neymar, Nigeria’s Stanley Godian is still aiming high

For the average Nigerian child who hopes to play football professionally, the crux of their dreams usually depends on playing in Europe, on the biggest stage, with the biggest clubs.

However, the path to get there can be challenging and unconventional. While some choose to start by playing for clubs in their locality, a determined Stanley Ifeanyi Godian knew his utmost desire was to play in Europe, and nothing else would do. The central midfielder shares his journey’s good, bad, and ugly sides with Soccernet.ng.

A central midfielder with a flair for days, Stanley was born in Imo State, Nigeria, on October 14th, 2004. He started pursuing a career in football at the age of 15 with Haniksport Football Academy in Abuja, where he spent the next three years.

“We used to play in the state and local leagues. I come from a family that isn’t well-to-do, so I tried every means I could to sponsor a career in Europe, but it didn’t work, so I decided to post my videos and football highlights on my social media account. The decision at the time was an inspiration from God because social media wasn’t as popular as it is now,” the 19-year-old midfielder shared with Soccernet.ng.

His biggest move was his decision to post his clips on social media. He gained an online fanbase called “the Godians,” which has shown him constant support. His videos have grossed over 100 million views on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and he has amassed almost two million followers. Still, social media fame has its limitations. 

“I started uploading my videos, which earned me recognition from some clubs in Nigeria and other clubs in Europe. After a year, I started talking to some clubs, but nothing concrete happened,” Godian said.

Meeting Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr.

In 2021, Stanley stumbled upon Neymar Jr.’s annual Red Bull project, which featured seven players, one from each continent, competing in a five-a-side tournament. Millions of footballers worldwide were asked to post a minute-long video of themselves playing football and showcasing their football skills on their social media accounts to get picked.

The participants are usually chosen by a board of professional scouts who watch clips of the entrants. In August 2021, Stanley was selected to be a part of the tournament, to be held in Qatar.

Stanley, alongside Neymar Junior and the six other players that were picked to play at the Red Bull tournament.“I posted the video and forgot about it. Three months later, I got a message from Neymar, and he told me he liked my video and that I’d be going to Qatar. It was unbelievable. How did I get picked from among millions of footballers in the world? I couldn’t believe it, and it was very big. I got offers from clubs, and people already started booking me,” he recalls.

The experience with Neymar stood out for the young midfielder and is etched into his memory forever. Even though he models his game after Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos, Stanley attributes his progress to the 2015 UEFA Champions League winner with Barcelona.

“Neymar transferred me to Red Bull, and I got my visa. I don’t have the right words to describe how I felt like meeting him. My legs were shaking. They took us to the reception, and we waited for him, but when I saw him, I started crying. I couldn’t hold myself. Imagine watching someone on TV, and then you see them right in front of you. Even if I’ll meet them, it won’t be at this level. A few weeks before, I was standing on the street, and now I’m in front of Neymar. He saved my life,” he said.

An Egyptian Odyssey

Following Stanley’s performance at the Red Bull tournament in Qatar, the Egyptian side Al Zamalek sent representatives to watch him in a bid to secure the teenage talent a long-term deal.

The five-time CAF Champions League winners convinced Stanley to try with them in Cairo, although the player was very skeptical about signing for an African club as his main aim was a spot with a European club.

“I went to Egypt from Qatar, and the club was happy with my ability. Then the negotiations started, and they wanted me to sign a six-year contract, but I wanted to play in Europe. I don’t see myself playing in Africa, even if the Egyptian league is one of the best. Zamalek is a big club, but they don’t like to sell players, so it was possible to stay in Egypt for six years, but I didn’t agree with that,” he revealed.