The FIFA world cup 2014 has come and gone. It has had its fair share of thrills,goals and controversy.it is argurably the greatest world cup yet. The technical ability, creativity, and flair on show at the world cup was breathtaking. Players like Neymar, Messi, and a host of others messmerised many with their fancy footwork,what could b the secret behind these skill set?.

Futsal is a variant of football, played between two teams of five players-one goalkeeper and four outfield players-that is played a smaller field in an indoor arena. The surface, ball and rules create an emphasis on creativity,technique, ball control as well as passing in small spaces.

Futsal started in Brazil and Uruguay in the 1930s. It is just as popular as football in Brazil, but does have fewer spectators. The game is now played in many countries in the world including Spain, Potrtugal, Germany, Italy amongst others. Cristiano Ronaldo who grew up playing futsal, has kind words for the game, saying,

"the small playing area helped me improve my close control and whenevr i played futsal i felt free. If it wasn't for futsal, i wouldnt be the player i am today".


Although not much is known about futsal or how it started in Nigeria, but in 1992, Nigeria was invited to a futsal event organisd in Hong Kong.

However, Futsal can help football development in Nigeria in more ways than one. It can offer many benefit to players development, such as better ball control. Futsal encourages team work and involves every player in a game. As players are constantly moving, they are changing position; this encourages players to learn how to attack and defend.

The size of the pitch means there is no margin for error and so players think fast, the weight of the ball ensures that players play short passes and in most cases use skill to get out of tricky situation( reminds me of okocha , Ronaldinho).


Futsal can ultimately benefit Nigerian football as players will develop better skill. Introducing this to players at young age will hopefully produce players who can combine flair, creatvity, and physicality.

FOOTBALL GREATS TALK FUTSAL
Barcelona and ex Spain star Xavi-

" in futsal, you see whether a player is really talented...you notice the small details in quality, class and technical understanding".

Football icon Pele-

" futsal requires you to think and play fast. It makes everything easier when you later switch to football".


Barcelona and argentina star Messi-

" As a little boy in Argentina, i played futsal on the streets and for my club.it was tremendous fun; it really helped me become who i am today".

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How can I join a Futsal club here in Nigeria?