…backs “Five-A-Side Tournament”
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to using sports as a tool for youth empowerment and national development.
Shaibu made this known during a courtesy visit by organisers of the Naija Five-A-Side Football Tournament, noting that the NIS remains a hub of professionalism and ethical standards.
He revealed that recent engagements with the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) were aimed at creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerian youths through sports.
Shaibu said sports can help curb social vices and insecurity, stressing that “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”
Highlighting football’s universal appeal, Shaibu said the game naturally attracts people, even those with little or no prior experience. He added that while football is easy to play, proper coaching is essential for mastering tactics and teamwork, a gap the NIS is ready to fill through training programmes.
He also emphasised the intensity of five-a-side football, noting that it requires greater energy, endurance, and teamwork than the traditional 11-a-side format. He urged clubs to adopt the format in training to improve players’ fitness and technical skills.
Describing the tournament as a platform for talent discovery, Shaibu said it could expose Nigerian players to global opportunities, while preparing them for the high level of scrutiny that comes with international football.
He reiterated the institute’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders but called for the urgent constitution of the National Sports Commission Board, warning that the absence of a governing board could weaken the legal and structural framework of sports partnerships.
Shaibu also advocated greater inclusion of female athletes, particularly from northern Nigeria, including those who observe cultural dress codes. Earlier, the tournament’s President, Mr. Patrick Osek, said the initiative has been expanded to include both male and female teams to promote inclusivity and address past challenges of poor follow-up.
