Drew Uyi Urges Mandatory Consent Education for Nigerian Footballers

FIFA-licensed football agent, Dr. Drew Uyi, has called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to introduce compulsory safeguarding and sexual consent education for Nigerian players before they travel abroad or participate in international competitions.

Uyi said the proposal has become necessary following recent cases involving Nigerian footballers overseas, which have raised concerns about player conduct and understanding of consent laws in foreign countries.

He referenced incidents involving former Nigeria U-20 midfielder Daniel Daga and ex-U-17 star Akinkunmi Amoo, noting that such situations highlight the need for better education and preparation of players.

“As stakeholders in football development, we must ensure that our players understand that sexual misconduct in any form is unacceptable,” Uyi said, stressing that athletes represent not just themselves but also Nigeria’s image and values.

He explained that many Nigerian players move abroad at a young age and are often exposed to different legal systems and cultural expectations, including consent laws they may not fully understand.

While noting that ignorance of the law is not an excuse, Uyi said the gap in knowledge underscores the need for structured education before players transition to international environments.

He proposed that the NFF and NSC implement a mandatory online course covering key areas such as consent laws in different countries, personal boundaries, respectful relationships, legal consequences of misconduct, and the responsibilities of representing Nigeria globally.

According to him, the programme should be required before players are cleared for international tournaments, issued transfer certificates, invited to national teams, or allowed to join foreign clubs.

Uyi emphasised that the initiative should be seen as preventive rather than punitive, aimed at protecting players, others, and the reputation of Nigerian football.

He warned that repeated controversies involving Nigerian players abroad could harm the country’s image if proactive steps are not taken.