NIS Boss Pledges Support For 5-A-Side Football To Boost Youth Engagement, Sports Devt

The director-general and CEO of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to leveraging sports for youth empowerment and national development. This pledge came during a courtesy visit from the organisers of the Naija Five-A-Side Football Tournament.

Mr. Shaibu emphasised the NIS’s role as a hub of professional and ethical culture, highlighting recent discussions with the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) on generating employment opportunities for Nigerian youths through sports. He stated, “Sports can curb social vices and insecurity because an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”

Underscoring football’s universal appeal, Mr. Shaibu noted, “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 also stressed the unique intensity of five-a-side football, asserting its value in building stamina and skills for clubs.

The Director-General lauded the tournament as a potential springboard for Nigerian players onto the global stage, cautioning that their energy levels would attract rigorous international scrutiny, akin to that faced by stars like Victor Osimhen. He reiterated the NIS’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives that enhance Nigeria’s global sports competitiveness.

Mr. Shaibu called for the prompt constitution of the National Sports Commission Board, arguing that its absence leaves agreements and programmes legally uncertain. He also advocated for greater awareness and inclusion of northern female players, particularly those observing cultural dress codes such as the hijab. “Football is one of the strongest forces that can unite the nation,” he remarked, urging the nation to convert youth energy into national development.

Earlier, Mr. Patrick Osek, President of the Five-A-Side Tournament, detailed the project’s scope. He revealed that past editions faced challenges due to a lack of follow-up, leading to the collapse of some initiatives.

The current tournament has expanded to include both male and female teams, addressing gaps in female sports representation.

The tournament now features 16 male and 8 female teams nationwide, with provisions for northern states that may not have fully formed teams. State-level matches are being coordinated simultaneously, with winners advancing to Abuja, where transport and accommodation are provided. Mr. Osek highlighted the reliance on both government and private facilities, stressing the need for ongoing support from state governments and international sports bodies. The next edition is set to commence in April at the Trascorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.