Chairman's Profile

Okere Sylvester is a visionary leader and former professional footballer who founded the Okere Sylvester Soccer and Youth Development Foundation (OSSYDEF) with a mission to transform the lives of young people through sports and education. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Okere's journey from the streets of Lagos to professional football fields across Nigeria and Europe has shaped his understanding of the challenges facing young athletes today.

During his illustrious playing career spanning over 12 years, Okere represented Nigeria at various international competitions and played for several top-tier clubs both domestically and internationally. His experience as a professional athlete exposed him to world-class training methodologies, sports science, and youth development programs that he now brings to OSSYDEF.

After retiring from professional football, Okere pursued advanced coaching certifications, earning his UEFA A License and completing specialized courses in youth development and sports psychology. His academic pursuits include a Master's degree in Sports Management from the University of Lagos, where he graduated with distinction.

Under his leadership, OSSYDEF has grown from a small community initiative to a recognized foundation that has impacted over 500 young lives. Okere's holistic approach to youth development, combining technical football skills with academic excellence and character building, has produced 15 professional players and awarded 25 educational scholarships.

Beyond OSSYDEF, Okere serves on the technical committee of the Nigeria Football Federation and is a sought-after speaker at international youth development conferences. His commitment to giving back to the community and creating opportunities for the next generation continues to drive the foundation's mission of developing champions both on and off the field.