By Kate Obodo

Stanley Okafor is a Nigerian philanthropist cum football lover  based in Japan. He  generously gave out electronic gadgets ranging from Samsung Galaxy Tab, Black Berry to iPAD to each member of the national U-20 Women’s team, the Falconets  and their officials to the recently concluded FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan as part of his own way of appreciating the team’s excellent performance.

In this interview with Grass to Grace, Okafor opens up on how he started in Japan, his most difficult moment in life and how he was able to succeed despite all odds. Excerpts!

My love for soccer
I started liking sports right from my childhood. Basically, I like sports but my passion lies more with soccer. As a child, I always played street soccer with my neighbours and most times, using my shoes to make the goal post. I could also play football from morning to evening without minding if my parents would get angry with me.

People say I could have gone professional because of my love for football but I believe that in life, each person has his call and vocation. For me, playing professional football was never my calling but I like it as a fan and also a supporter.

Tough beginning as a philanthropist in Japan
Generally, life is tough but to succeed, you have to strive hard to get to the peak of your destiny even if their are many huddles. I could remember coming to Japan was not easy, especially trying to fix myself in an Asian system which is different from the system I was used to.

Stanley Okafor

First, learning their language was a problem I must confess but as a Nigerian living far away from home, I told myself that the best I could do for myself was to strive hard. So I had to learn their language and I also tried to adjust from the Nigerian system and style to fit into their system. And by God’s grace am what I am today.

Toughest moment in life
Surely, I have had various tough moments in my life, but the one that struck me most was when I lost my mother. My situation wasn’t pretty good as I hadn’t my freedom then in Japan. It was a shock when I heard the news that my mother died.

Her death was not the problem but the fact that I spoke to her on 24th of  December then on the 27th I called again to know how she was fairing and how she celebrated her Christmas. Especially with the things I bought for her to use during the celebration.

My sister picked the phone and the first thing she told me was to get hold of myself that our mother had gone to meet the Lord. For me, it was the darkest moment of my life, as I almost wanted  to commit suicide. But I thank God for His mercies.

Overcoming my trials-
Although it wasn’t an easy situation but I believe in everything you do in life, put God first. God was my only resort then, alongside the fact that friends came to console me. And that is why till today, I don’t leave my house without praying or consulting God especially for his directives.

Lesson learned
The lesson learned is that no matter how difficult things appear to be, don’t give up.

Advice
Prayer is the key in any situation. Also pray until something happens. The fact that God doesn’t answer you today, doesn’t mean he won’t answer you tomorrow. All you need to do is to put your trust in Him because He is able.