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.
The disagreement on the duration of the contract with Zamalek meant the deal didn’t materialize. Still, it opened a door with Egypt’s first division club, ENPPI, as they enquired about his services. He played with ENPPI for six months, with the option to sign for three years if he felt satisfied with the club’s conditions, considering his desire to play in Europe.
Upon signing for ENPPI, the then-17-year-old Stanley was immediately loaned out to Egyptian second-division side Masry Salloum to ease his development.
“They were very kind to me. I didn’t settle in easily, but they kept faith in me and gave me time. After about a month, I was good, and I got used to the atmosphere. Their faith in me paid off,” he said.
Missing out on Rayo Vallecano
Just before his contract with ENPPI ran out, Stanley got an offer from La Liga side Rayo Vallecano with his documents already prepared. However, it took a while for him to get his visa processed, and by the time it was ready, the transfer window in Spain had elapsed, meaning the move was called off.
“I spent three months in Nigeria trying to get my visa, but when it came, the transfer was already off. I felt bad, but I had hope because I knew my life had changed, considering I was coming from the street. Now I have the visa, and I can still try with other clubs. The dream is still alive. There are lots of opportunities here. I feel like it is God’s plan.”
Family
Stanley, the fourth of five children, didn’t have it easy growing up, and as he got older, his parents were not supportive of his choice to become a footballer.
“Honestly, my parents didn’t see football as a career, especially since I came from a low-income family. They see it as wasting your life, but I didn’t allow that to deter me. They almost killed my dream, and at some point, I had to move out of the house at 14 to stay with my sister in Abuja,” he revealed.
In hindsight, he explains his parents’ perspective, they wanted him to pick up a career that would give him better life security. It was a full circle moment for him, as their support came around when he met Neymar.
“They basically left me to see what would happen, but I proved them wrong, and they came around. They were so proud when they saw me with Neymar, and I realized all I needed was to prove to them that my dream was worth believing in, and now they pray for me,” he said.
Toni Kroos and Chelsea Dreams
Stanley Ifeanyi Godian is a free agent in Spain looking for new challenges. He continues to be a source of hope and inspiration for young footballers around the world through his social media content as his journey demonstrates the power of talent, determination, and seizing opportunities.
For a central midfielder in the 21st century, it’ll be extremely hard not to have Toni Kroos as one of the people you admire. For Stanley, the 2014 World Cup winner is who he epitomizes.
“Toni Kroos is my role model. I play exactly like him, especially with the long passes. People don’t like it when I say Kroos, they want me to say Neymar, but I can’t lie to myself. Neymar is great, but we don’t play the same position,” he declared.
He also grew up watching the likes of John Obi Mikel, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, and Salomon Kalou amass success with West London’s Chelsea and hopes to follow in their footsteps.
“I’d love to play for Chelsea. Growing up, my Dad and my entire family all supported Chelsea. They say the Premier League is hard, and God has His plans, but if I had my way, it would be Chelsea,” he said.