Daniel Amokachi Highlights Youth Mental Health at UN Sports Initiative

Former Nigeria striker Daniel Amokachi, who missed most of the 1998 FIFA World Cup after a knee injury, spoke at the United Nations event “One World, One Game, One Goal: Football for the Goals Initiative” in New York. He described how the injury led to severe mental‑health struggles and urged that sport be used to support young people’s well‑being.

Amokachi said his experience inspired the creation of the Daniel Amokachi Eduplus Youth Development Foundation, which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on quality education, good health and well‑being, zero hunger, peace, justice and strong institutions. UN Assistant Secretary‑General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier echoed the call for prioritising youth mental health, while athletes such as Pop Mensah‑Bonsu and football executive Eniola Aluko also highlighted the role of sport in the discussion.