Ex-Jersey FA President Ricky Weir promotes memoir, expands grassroots football mission in Nigeria

Former Jersey Football Association President Ricky Weir has returned to Nigeria to promote his award-winning memoir, Illegitimately Blessed, while advancing grassroots football development and the growth of Walking Football across the country.

Weir, who is also the founder of the Jersey 2 Africa 4 Football Foundation (J2A4F), said his latest visit reflects his commitment to reconnecting with his Nigerian roots and contributing to football development in his father’s homeland.

Speaking in Lagos, the former football administrator described Illegitimately Blessed as a deeply personal account of identity, resilience and belonging, saying he hopes the book will inspire readers across Nigeria and Africa.

“When I finished the book, my goal was simply to complete it, leave something meaningful for my three sons and hopefully inspire one person. Everything after that has been a bonus,” Weir said.

Originally self-published in September 2024, the memoir was later acquired by European publisher Europe Book and went on to win a literary award in Italy.

Weir said the recognition exceeded his expectations.

“I was never sure what impact it would have,” he said.

While football features prominently in the memoir, Weir stressed that the book explores broader themes.

“It covers identity, family, discrimination, resilience and overcoming challenges. It’s not just a football book.”

The memoir recounts the story of Weir, who was born in Glasgow to a Scottish mother and a Nigerian father whom he never met. His father died before he was born, after which he was adopted and raised in Scotland.

According to Weir, he postponed searching for his biological family for many years out of respect for his adoptive parents.

“I never wanted my adopted parents to feel they were somehow not enough. My real parents were the people who raised me,” he explained.

His eventual search led him to discover his father’s Nigerian heritage and establish relationships with relatives connected to his family history.

Football development

Beyond the book tour, Weir continued his football development activities by officiating at the opening of Olumide Aturu’s 5Stars Premier League in Abuja and promoting Walking Football during a visit to the Eagle Club Pitch in Surulere, Lagos.

He said he was encouraged by the progress the sport has made since its introduction to Nigeria.

“It was gratifying to see how far it has come. There are now league programmes and women’s teams, which is fantastic,” he said.

Walking Football is a slower-paced, non-contact version of association football designed to encourage participation among older adults and individuals seeking recreational football in a safer environment. The sport has continued to gain popularity across several countries.

Weir played a key role in introducing Walking Football to Nigeria in 2020 and said he is optimistic about its future.

Recognition in Lagos

During his visit, Weir was honoured by Africa Illustrious Awards, organised by My Media Africa, with the Award of Excellence and Special Recognition as African Football Ambassador in recognition of his contributions to football development on the continent.

A prolific striker during his playing career, Weir scored more than 600 goals in over 1,000 matches before moving into football administration.

He later served as President of the Jersey Football Association for six years, where he championed initiatives aimed at expanding grassroots football and using sport as a tool for social development.

Through his Jersey 2 Africa 4 Football Foundation, Weir has supported football-based community development projects across Africa.

Strengthening ties with Nigeria

The latest trip marks Weir’s fifth visit to Nigeria, a country he says has become increasingly central to his personal and professional journey.

Having recently obtained a Nigerian passport, he said he now plans to spend more time in the country.

“The biggest thing is that I can come back whenever I want. I don’t have to think about visas or costs anymore. It allows me to embrace the country more, spend time with family, and potentially shift more of my football development work to Nigeria,” he said.

After more than a decade of philanthropic work focused largely on Kenya, Weir said he believes the next phase of his efforts in Africa will increasingly centre on Nigeria.

According to him, combining literature with grassroots football provides another avenue to inspire young Africans to embrace resilience, pursue their dreams and use sport as a vehicle for positive social change.