By Joy Omagha Idam
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to leveraging sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment and national development. He made this known while receiving organizers of the Naija Five-A-Side Football Tournament on a courtesy visit.
Shaibu described the NIS as a centre of professionalism and ethical standards, revealing that recent engagements with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) focused on creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerian youths through sports. According to him, sports play a vital role in addressing social vices and insecurity, noting that “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”
He highlighted football’s universal appeal, explaining that even children with little or no exposure to the sport naturally gravitate toward it. While many can play, he stressed that mastering tactics and teamwork requires structured coaching—an area where the NIS is fully prepared to contribute by training competent coaches.
Speaking on the dynamics of five-a-side football, Shaibu pointed out that the format demands higher intensity, stamina, and teamwork compared to the traditional 11-a-side game. He noted that incorporating five-a-side training methods can significantly improve players’ endurance and technical abilities.
He also commended the tournament for its potential to showcase Nigerian talent on the global stage, adding that players must be prepared for the level of scrutiny and competitiveness seen internationally, similar to top professionals like Victor Osimhen.
Reiterating the institute’s readiness to collaborate, Shaibu emphasized the need for stronger institutional support to boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness in sports. He called for the prompt constitution of the National Sports Commission Board, warning that without it, agreements between stakeholders may lack legal backing and long-term stability.
Shaibu further advocated for greater inclusion of female athletes, particularly from northern Nigeria, encouraging support for players who wish to participate while adhering to cultural dress codes such as the hijab.
“Football remains one of the most unifying forces in the country. We must harness the energy of our youth for national development rather than attributing all challenges to leadership,” he stated.
Earlier, the President of the Five-A-Side Tournament, Patrick Osek, outlined the scope and vision of the initiative. He acknowledged that previous editions faced setbacks due to poor follow-up, which led to the discontinuation of some talent development efforts.
To address these gaps, the current edition has expanded to include both male and female teams, improving inclusivity and representation. The competition now features 16 male teams and 8 female teams from across the country, with provisions to ensure participation from northern states that may lack fully established teams.
State-level matches are being held simultaneously nationwide, with winners advancing to Abuja for the final stage, where logistics such as transportation and accommodation are fully covered.
Osek also highlighted ongoing challenges, including limited sports infrastructure, and called for sustained support from state governments and international sports organizations. He announced that the next edition of the tournament will officially kick off in April at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
This was contained in a statement signed by Comrade Ben Ogbemudia,
Special Assistant on Media,
Office of the Director-General/CEO, National Institute for Sports