Nigerian data scientist Joseph Maugbe Jacob is charting new ground in football by bringing artificial intelligence, AI, into the heart of the game.,

Following a successful collaboration with Middlesbrough Football Club in England, Joseph, alongside fellow Teesside University experts Dr Aliyu, Abubakar, Dr Hiba Alsmadi, and Dr. Ala Al Kafri, built machine-learning models that predicted match outcomes and explained tactical decisions., Now, Joseph is determined to return the benefits home.

“Our model doesn’t just predict who wins, it explains why. That’s a game-changer, and it’s the kind of tool Nigerian football deserves.”,

The project, praised in the UK for improving performance analysis and tactical planning, has sparked conversations among Nigerian football officials who see AI as a way to sharpen local talent. Joseph insists that data can transform every layer of the game – from scouting young players, to preventing injuries and boosting fan engagement.

“Football is Nigeria’s heartbeat, but data isn’t yet at the heart of our football. We already have the talent. What we need is the tech, infrastructure and the culture of analytics to unlock it,” he said.

Officials within Nigerian football circles are reportedly enthusiastic, with early steps underway to explore collaborations that can embed predictive analytics into domestic clubs and academies. Jacob’s vision is clear: a locally adapted AI ecosystem that empowers coaches, nurtures grassroots players, and gives national teams a competitive edge., “It’s not about copying Europe, ” he added.

“It’s about adapting what works to our reality. If we get this right, Nigeria can lead Africa in football, innovation.”, With his proven record in Europe and his commitment to homegrown, development, Joseph Jacob – backed by his expert collaborators Abubakar, Alsmadi, and Al Kafri – is positioning Nigeria at the frontier of a football, revolution, one where data and passion meet to shape the future of the, beautiful game.