The 12th edition of the West African Deaf Football Championship began in Lagos over the weekend, with the Minister of Sports, John Enoh, encouraging Nigeria’s Deaf Eagles to win the prestigious tournament.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Onikan Waterfront Stadium on Saturday, Enoh, represented by Mrs Nkana Mbora, Director of Sports in charge of the Lagos liaison office of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development (FMSD), expressed his strong support for the event and Nigeria’s participation.
He highlighted the importance of such championships, noting that sports for athletes with disabilities have consistently brought Nigeria international recognition, as seen in the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Minister, fully aware of Nigeria’s past success in the competition, reminded the Deaf Eagles of their illustrious record, having won the tournament four times in the past. He urged the team to strive for their fifth championship win, emphasizing the impressive football skills on display.
West Africa Deaf Sports President, Mr Ibrahim Amuda, delivered a welcome address in which he thanked the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their continued financial support of the West Africa Deaf Sports Union (WASU) since 2010. He also expressed his appreciation for the participating teams.
The President of the Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation (NDSF), Alhaji Saka Dagbo, emphasized that the tournament will serve as valuable preparation for Nigeria’s upcoming participation in the 2nd Africa Deaf Football Championship in Morocco in November, as well as the 2025 Deaflympics. His sentiments were echoed by Comrade Ige Jenyo Olawale, Vice President of the NDSF, who reinforced the importance of the tournament as a dual-benefit platform for Team Nigeria.