By Aderonke Ojo
The Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to using sports as a tool for youth empowerment and national development during a courtesy visit by organizers of the Naija Five-A-Side Football Tournament.
Shaibu emphasized that the institution remains a hub of professional and ethical culture, noting that recent discussions with the management of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) explored ways to generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerian youths through sports.
“Sports can curb social vices and insecurity because an idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” he said.
Highlighting the natural appeal of football,he explained that even children with no prior knowledge of the game instinctively engage with the ball.
“Football is a phenomenon created by God. Everyone can play, but mastering team strategies requires proper coaching. This is where the NIS comes in, we are ready to train coaches to deliver and bridge the gap,” he added.
Shaibu also stressed the unique intensity of five-a-side football. Unlike the 11-a-side format, the energy and involvement required in five-a-side matches are higher per minute, demanding greater endurance and teamwork.
“For clubs to build the stamina and skills of their teams, integrating the five-a-side formula in training is essential,” he noted.
He hailed the tournament as a platform that could put Nigerian players on the global stage, warning that their energy levels would attract rigorous international scrutiny, similar to that experienced by professional stars like Victor Osimhen.
Shaibu reiterated that NIS is prepared to collaborate with initiatives that will enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in sports worldwide.
In his remarks, Shaibu called on the National Sports Commission Board to be constituted promptly, stressing that without the board, any agreements between agencies or private sector programs remain temporary and legally uncertain.
He also advocated for greater awareness and inclusion of northern female players, particularly those wishing to play while observing cultural dress codes such as the hijab.
“Football is one of the strongest forces that can unite the nation. We must rise to the challenge, convert the energy of our youth into national development, and not blame leadership for all our setbacks,” he said.
Earlier, the Five-A-Side Tournament President, Mr. Patrick Osek, provided insights into the scope of the project.
He revealed that previous editions of the talent hunt faced challenges due to a lack of follow-up, leading to the collapse of some initiatives.
In response, the current tournament has expanded participation to include both male and female teams, addressing gaps in female sports representation.
The tournament now features 16 male teams and 8 female teams from across Nigeria, with special provisions to ensure representation from northern states that may not have fully formed teams.
Matches at the state level are being coordinated simultaneously to streamline competition, with state winners advancing to Abuja, where transportation and accommodations are provided.
Osek further explained that the tournament relies on both government and private facilities, highlighting the challenges of limited infrastructure and the need for ongoing support from state governments and international sports bodies.
The next edition of the tournament is scheduled to be flagged off in April at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
