Amarachi Lilian Ezeambasili, Managing Director and CEO of Lily Legend Sports, commanded attention at the TREK Africa Awards 2024, where she represented her business partner, Nigerian Olympian and retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chioma Ajunwa. Renowned for her athletic physique and poised demeanor, Ezeambasili added vibrancy to the prestigious ceremony. She accepted the 25 Most Influential & Role Model Women (MIRWA) award on behalf of Ajunwa, who was away attending a professional course in the United Kingdom.
In her acceptance speech, Ezeambasili expressed profound gratitude to the organizers for acknowledging the trailblazing work she and Ajunwa have undertaken to reshape Nigeria’s grassroots football landscape. Highlighting their joint efforts through Lily Legend Sports, she underscored how the organization has unlocked opportunities for numerous young football talents, helping them transition from local pitches to professional leagues in Europe and beyond.
“Our mission at Lily Legend Sports has always been to identify and nurture raw talent from grassroots communities. These young athletes, many of whom come from underserved backgrounds, now have a platform to showcase their skills on global stages, securing both financial stability and professional recognition,” Ezeambasili stated.
Driving Grassroots Football Development
In a media interaction after the event, Ezeambasili delved into the transformative successes of Lily Legend Sports, particularly its focus on grassroots football development. She noted with pride the organization’s recent celebration of the significant number of players it has facilitated into foreign clubs, all of whom were scouted and nurtured from local communities.
“The grassroots is where the heart of Nigerian football beats,” she remarked. “We need to focus on this level to breed the next generation of stars who will continue to carry the torch of our nation’s sporting glory.”
When asked by Alfred Abiodun, Publisher of DASCENARIO, about the government policies needed to support grassroots sports, Ezeambasili did not hold back. She criticized the lack of government commitment to grassroots development, stating, “The government must take greater responsibility in the coming year to encourage these young talents. Nigeria has an immense wealth of potential in sports, and tapping into it requires deliberate investment and policy support.”
Calls for Collaboration and Social Media Engagement
Ezeambasili also used the platform to call on well-meaning Nigerians to join hands in furthering grassroots sports initiatives. She highlighted Lily Legend Sports’ strong social media presence and urged sports enthusiasts to follow their platforms for updates on new developments and success stories.
As Lily Legend Sports continues its mission to redefine Nigerian grassroots football, its dedication to nurturing young talent underscores the critical role of private sector initiatives in sports development. With a renewed commitment to achieving even greater feats in 2025, the organization remains a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across the country.
