LAGOS, NIGERIA – The 2024 Predator Energy Nigeria Freestyle Football Championship delivered an electrifying spectacle on September 21, 2024, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton, Ikeja, Lagos. After a four-year hiatus, the championship made a grand return, bringing together Nigeria’s finest freestyle footballers for a thrilling display of skill, creativity, and passion.
From jaw-dropping moves to intense face-offs, the competition highlighted the immense growth of freestyle football in Nigeria and reaffirmed the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in the global freestyle community.
A CHAMPIONSHIP TO REMEMBER
The 2024 edition featured 28 top freestylers (19 male, 9 female) competing for the prestigious national title. The atmosphere was charged with energy, as fans, industry stakeholders, and sports enthusiasts witnessed an intense battle of footwork, control, and style.
After a fiercely contested competition, six exceptional freestylers emerged victorious, securing their places as Nigeria’s best freestyle football talents:
Female Category Winners:
Champion: Evelyn Okafor (₦1.5 million cash prize)
2nd Place: Augustina Unamba (₦750,000 cash prize)
3rd Place: Miracle Ngozi (₦500,000 cash prize)
Male Category Winners:
Champion: Ezeakabukudu BlessedChild (₦1.5 million cash prize)
2nd Place: Benjamin Ebong (₦750,000 cash prize)
3rd Place: Prince Okereke (₦500,000 cash prize)
BEYOND THE TROPHIES: WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE WINNERS?
In addition to cash prizes, the newly crowned champions earned several life-changing opportunities, including:
An opportunity to represent Nigeria at the African Freestyle Championship in Algiers, Algeria.
Professional exposure through media profiling and documentary features.
Sports development opportunities to further their freestyle football careers.
Reflecting on the championship’s success, Valentine Ozigbo, a Director at the World Freestyle Football Association (WFFA) and Chairman of Feet ‘N’ Tricks, emphasized the importance of the competition in shaping the future of freestyle football in Nigeria:
“This championship has once again proven the incredible depth of freestyle talent in Nigeria. We are proud to see these young athletes push the boundaries of skill and creativity, and we remain committed to supporting their growth on the national and international stage.”
A NATIONAL SPORTING EVENT WITH GLOBAL ATTENTION
The Nigeria Freestyle Football Championship 2024 was broadcasted across multiple platforms, ensuring extensive coverage:
Television: AfroSport TV, Rave TV, and News Central TV provided highlights and post-event analysis.
Live Streaming: Despite minor technical challenges, the event was streamed live for over four hours, giving freestyle fans worldwide a front-row seat.
Media Coverage: National newspapers, digital platforms, and radio stations reported on the event, amplifying its reach.
LOOKING AHEAD: THE FUTURE OF FREESTYLE FOOTBALL IN NIGERIA
With the overwhelming success of the 2024 edition, plans are already in motion for an even bigger 2025 championship. The goal is to expand freestyle football across more cities, engage more talents, and elevate Nigeria’s presence in global freestyle competitions.
As the momentum builds, industry stakeholders, corporate sponsors, and sports enthusiasts are encouraged to support the freestyle football movement in Nigeria.
The future is bright. The stage looks set. Freestyle football in Nigeria is here to stay.
