Interview with JJ: Understanding Intricacies of Data Science in Sports

 Background: Let’s Meet You

Uprising Platform Guest: Joseph Jacob (also known as JJ the Megadon)

My name is Joseph Maugbe Jacob, a data scientist based in the UK. Originally from Badagry in Lagos, Nigeria, I currently reside in Stockton-on-Tees, England. I hold an MSc in Applied Data Science from Teesside University, an institution with which I continue to collaborate, most recently on a joint project with Middlesbrough Football Club (MFC).

I have a diverse background spanning experiences across business intelligence, machine learning, supply chain analytics, and performance analytics. My career has spanned several sectors, beginning in quality assurance and manufacturing at Guinness Nigeria, and now includes work in football analytics, one of several domains I explore through data science. I am passionate about using data as a tool for insight, impact, and innovation, particularly in areas that shape culture.

Explanation of Data Science

JJ at a Sports center

In my own words, I would say data science is the practice of using data to solve problems and answer questions, which involves collecting, cleaning, analyzing, and modeling data using tools like Python, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, and machine learning algorithms. The main goal of every data science process is to extract insights that can inform better decisions, whether in business, healthcare, or the sports sector.

It is safe to say that you can think of data science as the bridge between raw numbers and meaningful stories. The reason is that it helps us understand what is happening, why it is happening, and what might happen next, and I know almost every field takes value in that.

How does data science integrate into the world of sports/football?

In football, data science is revolutionising how clubs operate both on and off the pitch. From performance analysis and opponent scouting to injury prevention and fan engagement, data is being used to gain competitive advantages.

In our project with MFC, we built a predictive model that forecasts match outcomes and identifies key performance metrics that contribute to success. This wasn’t just about prediction — it was about understanding the "why" behind results. What does that mean? We were focused on the key areas that influenced a team’s success. This is what coaches and analysts can take back to the training ground to form tactics around. We also developed an interactive Power BI dashboard and a web-based application that makes these insights accessible.

Globally, clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich are deeply integrating data into strategy, recruitment, and training. The key is not just having data, but knowing what to do with it.

 

How can the Nigerian system integrate data science into sports development?

JJ explaining how data science can be integrated into sports development

Nigeria has an abundance of raw football talent, but to unlock our full potential, we must begin to merge talent with technology.

In order to integrate data science into sports development, we must first build the infrastructure by setting up data analytics departments in clubs, especially in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) and academies. Analysts & Coaches will also need to be trained by equipping them with tools and skills in data interpretation, visualization, and performance modelling. That’s when we can start talking about collecting the right data, like recording match statistics, training loads, and player metrics at all levels.

Furthermore, it is vital to foster collaboration by partnering with universities, data experts, and international organizations to develop locally relevant analytics solutions. This can ease pressure and also hasten integration through tailored solutions from experts. It is also important to put the end users in mind by creating accessible tools. We don’t want to develop tools that coaches would find hard to understand or make informed decisions from.

At the end of the day, data amplifies football by giving players and teams the clarity they need to perform at their best; it doesn’t remove the passion from it.

Conclusions: Future plans, goals, and objectives

Data Scientist

My goal going forward is to continue pushing the boundaries of data science and sports analytics, especially in contexts like Nigeria, where the opportunity is massive and largely untapped.

Part of my plans are to:

Collaborate with Nigerian clubs and sports academies to build analytics infrastructure and integrate predictive tools.

Develop educational resources and training programs to equip young analysts with skills in data science and AI.

Build solutions that are adapted to local realities — low-resource tools, mobile apps, and dashboards that work in Nigerian environments.

I want to contribute to building a system where data helps shape strategy, protect players, and elevate performance, while keeping the spirit and beauty of the game intact. I believe that Nigeria can lead Africa in sports innovation, not just by exporting talent, but by owning the tools and systems that develop it.

 

See social media pages below:

Follow Joseph Jacob's work on:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-joseph/

📩 josephayomj@gmail.com