The Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, says the institute is ready to collaborate with organizers of the Nigeria Freestyle Football Championship to train coaches and athletes across the country.

Shaibu, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, made this known at the grand finale of the championship held at the Ikeja City Mall, Lagos.

He said the NIS’s vision aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in promoting grassroots sports development, youth engagement, and job creation.

“With freestylers from across the nation competing, it’s a vibrant showcase of creativity, athleticism, and cultural pride,” Shaibu said. “The NIS is ready to partner with the organizers to train coaches, identify talents, and develop young athletes across Nigeria.”

Chairman of Feet ’N’ Tricks Limited, Valentine Ozigbo, Africa’s leading promoter of freestyle football, expressed delight at the DG’s presence, noting that it reflects genuine support for grassroots sports and youth empowerment.

He added that this year’s championship — headlined by Predator Energy — continues to elevate freestyle football in Nigeria.

“Since 2017, Feet ’N’ Tricks has transformed freestyle football from a niche pastime into a continent-wide movement,” Ozigbo said. “We are honored by your presence and proud to share the passion driving Africa’s freestyle football revolution.”