From the streets of Lagos to the sidelines of two FIFA World Cups — Bayonle Arashi uses soccer, leadership, and purpose to show young people that their future is bigger than their circumstances.
Bayonle Arashi grew up in Nigeria with a dream bigger than his circumstances. Told to focus on education instead of soccer, he chose both — and built a career that took him from the streets of Lagos to directing the Africa Cup of Nations and two FIFA World Cups.
He arrived in America in 2015 with nothing but conviction. He worked as a security guard, then a corrections officer, waking up before dawn to build Midas Football Academy while the rest of the world slept. He is a two-time author, leadership coach, marathon runner, and founder — not because it was easy, but because he refused to let average win.
In 2026, he was selected as an official City of Houston Ambassador and Volunteer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico — a recognition of his decades of service to the beautiful game.
His message is simple: no one hands you anything. But if you put in the work, you will be rewarded.
Building pathways for youth athletes in the US and Nigeria
Two books transforming young people across three continents
Coaching, speaking, and mentoring the next generation
Marathon finisher at 45 — practicing what he preaches
Three resources built to equip young people, parents, and coaches with the tools to succeed — in soccer and in life.
The insider guide agents and scouts never wanted you to have. Scholarships, tryouts, overseas opportunities, and 2,000+ university coach contacts included.
A raw, unfiltered wake-up call from behind the prison walls. Written for young people at a crossroads — and the parents, teachers, and mentors trying to reach them.
The book, brought to life. Step-by-step video lessons giving you the full roadmap to a professional football career — from training, to scouting, to signing.
"Average is the enemy. Purpose is the goal. And no one — no one — hands you anything. But if you put in the work, you will be rewarded."
— Bayonle Arashi
Bayonle has taken his message into schools, churches, juvenile facilities, civic organizations, and leadership groups across Houston and beyond. His talks don't just inspire — they equip.
Available for
"Our mission is to inspire generations and build for success." — Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in Nigeria 2008.
Every child with the talent and drive has a real, structured pathway to a professional soccer career.
From computers to broadcasting to vehicle repair — young people leave with a skill that serves their community.
Education is always the foundation. Every Midas graduate has a path to higher learning and a life of impact.
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