NEW AFRICA SHRINE: June 2009

CONTESTANTS AWAITING THEIR TURN TO PLAY

REDBULL SECTION

WITHIN OUR HALL BEFORE THE EVENTS PREPARATION

1ST RUNNER UP DURING THE CHALLENGE

JUDGES SECTION-HERE THEY DETERMINE THE WINNER OR LOSER

1ST RUNNER UP AND CHAMPION (IN THE NEW AFRICA SHRINE) POSE FOR A SHOT WITH BOY ALINCO AND DJ LEXY

REDBULL STREETSTYLE TURF

TO GIVE A RED CARD INDICATES THAT A CONTESTANT HAS BEEN ELIMINATED

FANS AT THE QUALIFIERS POSING WITH A CAN OF REDBULL

QUALIFIERS IN PROGRESS AND THE JUDGES WATCHES KEENLY

TIME OUT WITH REDBULL

GINIKA AND KOLA(BOTH STAFF OF REDBULL INTERNATIONAL)

COMPETITORS, FANS , JUDGES ENJOYING THE CONTEST

OUTSIDE DURING THE QUALIFYING ROUNDS

POSTER FOR THE EVENTS

THE PRINCE OF AFROBEAT OMORINMADE ANIKULAPO-KUTI CAME BACK FROM SCHOOL TO WATCH THE QUALIFIERS

BOY ALINCO POSING FOR A SHOT WITH ONE OF THE CONTESTANT TO THE ADMIRATION OF THE FANS

CONTESTANTS IN ACTION

A CONTESTANT POSES WITH A REDBULL HEADGEAR

FANS AT THE UPPER GALLERY ENJOYING THE CONTEST

LAUNCHING OF RED BULL STREET STYLE 2009 IN NIGERIA

3 Minutes, 2 Players, 1 Ball and The Whole World Red Bull Street Style is an introduction to a unique sport for all Soccer Players around the world. With a strong focus on today’s younger players, freestyle soccer carries some key developmental aspects to the game of Soccer. Individual creativity is vital. The selection process at the country elimination contests may vary, but the rules for the final are set.3 minutes, 2 players, 1 ball: In each “battle”, two players square off in a one-on-one duel against each other. They take alternating 20-second turns with the ball, using their time to show-off the best of their artistic moves to the sounds of break-dance and hip-hop music.

In the finals, the judges will be evaluating the three minutes flow based on control, creativity and style. The winner advances to the next round. There are no limits; other than the standard prohibition on the use of hands and a requirement that the ball and performer stay within a 7-metre wide (27-foot) competition area. The Winner will be the person who does the best tricks using imagination, balance and athletic moves while keeping control with the soccer ball. Great ball control is essential. Creativity and stylish finesse are vital for success.

In 2007 Red Bull Reaccion offered a platform for most talented ball artists in South America. Red Bull Street Style now opens the stage for Nigeria’s youngsters to showcase and battle. Qualifications took place in different regions within Nigeria, starting in Benin (28, 29 & 31 May), Kano (2 & 3 June), Abuja (4, 5 & 6 June), ending in Lagos (8, 9 & 10 June).

Top Winners of each qualification competed against each other in the finals in Lagos on June 13.Using the rules of the game, the event was held with a panel of three judges looking for the following elements: control/technical skills, style and creativity. Besides having a very competitive event, there was a top DJ playing variety of music to encourage the athletes to perform best football tricks. Music plays a very important role as it reflects the game’s culture.

Habeeb Abdulfatai To Represent Nigeria in Red Bull Street Style World Finals

The best local football freestylers performed at the Red Bull Street Style Nigeria Finals that took place on June 13 at Silverbird Galleria.

Habeeb Abdulfatai, a young freestyler, managed to outperform Chomaf Emmanuel, as he impressed the judges with his excellent skills and moves. Abdulfatai came first, Emmanuel ranked in 2nd place, while Obanor Mccarthy came third at the competition.

Habeeb Abdulfatai is the person who will represent Nigeria at the world finals that will gather the best freestylers from all over the world in South Africa in March / April 2010.“I love freestyle football, I did not expect to win today, but I have trained well and was prepared for the finals”, said Habeeb. “It is really a dream to participate at the World Finals in South Africa. I fear nobody and I am ready for the next challenge”, he concluded.

Many participants gathered for the kick-off of the Nigeria Finals, 16 only qualified to the second round then 8 to the quarter final.

The competition was at its utmost when Abdulfatai beat Emmanuel after a tough head to head battle; Impressive moves and maneuvers were displayed in front of the judging panel and Habeeb obviously clinched the title when he seduced both the spectators and judges with his amazing tricks.

Participants were evaluated upon three different criteria: The control, the creativity and the style.

The Results of the Red Bull Street Style Nigeria Finals

1- Habeed Abdulfatai
2- Chomaf Emmanuel
3- Obanor Mccarthy

-write up was culled from Redbullstreetstyle.com