2024 in Review: A Defining Year for Freestyle Football in Nigeria & What’s Next in 2025

As we step into 2025, it’s time to reflect on the incredible milestones freestyle football achieved in Nigeria over the past year. 2024 was a year of major breakthroughs, a historic comeback, and global recognition—proving that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in the world of freestyle football.

2024: A Landmark Year for Freestyle Football in Nigeria

After a four-year hiatus, freestyle football returned in grand style with the Predator Energy Nigeria Freestyle Football Championship, held on September 21, 2024, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Lagos.

The event was more than a competition—it was a festival of skill, passion, and innovation, bringing together the most talented freestylers from across Nigeria. With thousands of fans in attendance and millions engaging online and via media broadcasts, the event proved that freestyle football in Nigeria is bigger than ever.

Male Champion: Ezeakabukudu BlessedChild

Female Champion: Evelyn Okafor

Both earned ₦1.5 million, a brand ambassadorship, and the chance to represent Nigeria at Freestyle Connect Africa 2.0 in Algeria.

Speaking on the success of the championship, Valentine Chineto Ozigbo, Chairman of Feet ‘N’ Tricks and Director on the Board of the World Freestyle Football Association (WFFA), emphasized the importance of sustaining freestyle football’s momentum in Nigeria and across Africa:

“Freestyle football is more than just a sport—it is an art, a movement, and a powerful tool for youth empowerment. The success of the 2024 Predator Energy Nigeria Freestyle Football Championship proves that the demand for freestyle football is growing, and we are committed to pushing its boundaries even further. Our vision is to make Nigeria the epicenter of freestyle football in Africa, creating platforms for young talents to shine on the world stage.”

Taking Nigeria to the World: Freestyle Connect Africa 2.0

Nigeria’s dominance extended beyond the national championship, as the country’s top freestylers competed at Freestyle Connect Africa 2.0 in Algiers, Algeria—one of the continent’s biggest freestyle football events, held as part of Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX).

The competition featured 24 of Africa’s best freestylers, battling for a $20,000 prize pool and continental supremacy.

Beyond the competition, freestyle football’s growing influence in Africa was a major talking point. As a board member of WFFA, Valentine Ozigbo participated in a high-profile panel discussion alongside Amadou Gallo Fall (President, Basketball Africa League) and Temwa Gondwe (Senior Manager, Intra-African Trade Initiative, Afreximbank), emphasizing the economic and cultural potential of freestyle football in Africa.

What’s Next for Freestyle Football in Nigeria in 2025?

With 2024 marking a successful return, 2025 promises to be even bigger and better. Plans are already in place to:

Expand the Predator Energy Nigeria Freestyle Football Championship to reach even more freestylers across the country.

Increase international participation, bringing in global talents to compete on Nigerian soil.

Enhance sponsorship and partnership opportunities, giving brands an even bigger platform to engage with freestyle football’s passionate audience.

Push for more global recognition of Nigerian freestylers on the world stage.

According to Valentine Ozigbo, Feet ‘N’ Tricks is fully committed to making freestyle football a household name across Africa:

“Freestyle football is a sport with limitless potential, and Nigeria is at the heart of it. In 2025, we aim to build on the momentum, introducing more opportunities for young freestylers to compete, learn, and be celebrated. We invite brands, sponsors, and media to join us in this movement to transform freestyle football into a mainstream sport across Africa.”

Opportunities for Brands, Media, and Investors

With freestyle football’s rapid rise in Nigeria, 2025 is the perfect time for brands, sponsors, and media partners to get involved.

Sponsorship partnerships

Broadcast & media collaborations

Athlete endorsements & brand activations

For sponsorship and media partnership inquiries for the 2025 edition, connect with us now:

Email: feetandtricksltd@gmail.com

The Future is Bright for Freestyle Football in Nigeria

From an explosive comeback in 2024 to a promising future in 2025, freestyle football is thriving in Nigeria. With continued support, investment, and passion from the community, the sport is on track to become a major force in African sports and entertainment.

2024 was just the beginning. 2025 will be even greater.