Welcome to the fourth edition of HOT WHEELS, our spotlight series celebrating the fearless skaters shaping Nigeria’s street culture. From makeshift ramps to bustling Lagos streets, these riders continue to push boundaries, defy odds, and fuel a movement built on grit, passion, and pure creativity.
In a city where creativity constantly collides with chaos, Lagos skater and artist Sp9der is carving out his own lane—one trick, one board, and one bold idea at a time. From discovering skateboarding through Lil Wayne to becoming part of the vibrant RIA TAKECHARGE community, his journey reflects the grit, passion, and originality driving Nigeria’s fast-growing skate culture. In this interview, Sp9der opens up about his early influences, the challenges of skating in Lagos, his love for art, and his dreams for the future.
What was your very first encounter with skateboarding?
I first encountered skateboarding when I was going through Lil Wayne’s page and saw him skating. Ever since then, I’ve been obsessed with skateboarding.
How did the name “Sp9der” come about?
The name ‘Sp9der’ came from my obsession with spider webs; that’s what inspired it.
How would you describe the feeling when you landed your first trick?
It felt great. You know when you’ve been trying something for hours and then suddenly you finally land it? The joy was endless.
Do you belong to any skating community in Lagos?
Yeah, definitely. RIA TAKECHARGE. Big shoutout to RIA, they’ve really been keeping skaters going and supporting the skating scene in Nigeria.
What are some of the challenges facing skateboarding in Lagos and Nigeria on the wider aspect?
Omo, thank God for skateparks, they really help us skaters improve. Otherwise, skating on the streets is brutal. You have security, police chasing you out of nowhere, and unknown folks judging you just for doing what makes you happy.
What’s your go-to trick?
My go-to trick is the Ollie. I know you might expect me to say Kickflip or Heelflip, but for me, it’s the Ollie. It’s like drinking water every day when you wake up. For skating, whenever you’re out there, you always have to Ollie.
You also make art. Is it a hobby or something you do professionally?
Yes, it’s my hobby. It’s really something I’ve been doing since primary school, but I would definitely love to go professional with it someday.
Would you say your art influences your style as a skater?
No, my art doesn’t really influence my skating style. The spider web deck is just a way for me to stand out. If you see it, you’ll know it’s mine.
Are there any chances you’d be making customised boards for commercial sale in the near future?
Yeah, if I get a chance, I’ll definitely make my own boards
Is there any skate company outside Nigeria you would love to skate for?
For sure, and that’s SUPREME.
What’s your advice for anyone trying to get into skating?
My advice? I’ll say if you’d love to get into skating, just get a board, and SKATE. Don’t ask anyone for advice if you feel like it’s what you really want and love to do, just go for it.
Sp9der’s story is a reminder that passion doesn’t wait for perfect conditions—it moves, it creates, and it persists. Whether he’s landing a new trick, sketching art in his spare time, or dreaming of skating for Supreme, he embodies the spirit of a new generation redefining what is possible in Nigeria’s skate scene. And as skateboarding continues to grow across the country, voices like his keep pushing the culture forward one ride at a time.
