Participants and judges for the first-ever African Freestyle Football Championship have all arrived in Lagos for the continental competition scheduled to start on Thursday.
Judges that have arrived in Lagos for the competition are Tobias Busaet from Norway, Gautier Fayolle from France and Szymon Skalski. They are joined by Daniel World, the co-founder of World Freestyle Football Association (WFFA), the umpire body, in addition to other members of the WFFA including Lukas Skoda, the director of operations.
The championship will also host international freestyle professionals, Guinness world record holder, Iya Traore, and female freestyle legend, Raquel Benetti, from Brazil. Both came into Lagos Tuesday evening
Nigerian freestylers competing in the tournament have been preparing to win top prizes including a saloon car, courtesy of GAC Motors and $50,000.
Chairman, Feet ‘n’ Tricks International, Valentine Ozigbo, on Tuesday said all arrangements for the competition have been concluded.
“We have everything covered because we have been on the planning for a long time. Our target is to make participants enjoy the tournament while fans should also appreciate freestyle more.
“The entertainment aspect will also be excellent while we also expect our ambassadors to add colour to the event,” Ozigbo said.
Former professional English footballer, John Fashanu; former Head of Lagos State Football Association, Waidi Akanni; former Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia; Nollywood actresses, Kate Henshaw and Tonto Dikeh, were recently named as brand ambassadors for this year’s championship.
The qualifying rounds and Nigerian championship takes place on September 13 and 14 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos while the best 16 male and eight female freestyle athletes in Africa will emerge to battle it out at the grand finale on September 15.
The event is endorsed by World Freestyle Football Association.
