Amputee Football W/Cup: Federation solicits Sports Ministry’s approval

Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung

The Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF) has appealed to the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development to respond to its proposal to participate in the 2018 Amputee Football World Cup.

Isah Suleiman, President of NAFF, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the federation’s proposal for the event holding in Mexico had since been submitted to the ministry.

He said the national team known as the “Special Eagles’’ was expected to depart Nigeria on Tuesday ahead of the competition holding from Wednesday to Novomber 5.

Suleiman said the team had needed an early departure to ensure some rest ahead of Wednesday’s opening ceremony and their first match with Brazil on Oct. 28.

“We are begging the ministry to approve with financial backing our proposals which we submitted and as quickly as possible so that we can be empowered to move the contingent.

“Participating countries are expected to be on ground for the opening ceremony, and being our first outing in the tournament, it is necessary to participate in all the events.

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“The footballers also need time to settle down, have warm-up training to enable them acclimatise to the weather conditions ahead of their first match,” he said.

The NAFF president said necessary arrangements to ensure the Special Eagles participate in the tournament have been carried out, while national camp had been in progress.

“It’s been a busy period and we are really making progress. Their (the players’) visa have been approved and the footballers and coaching crew are observing the national camp in Lagos,” he added.

Suleiman lauded Amaju Pinnick, the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Super Eagles, individuals and various media organisations for their tremendous support for the event.

NAN reports that the competition being organised by the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) has Nigeria, Brazil, Russia and El Salvador in Group E.

The national team of NAFF, which is affiliated to WAFF, has qualified for the World Cup tournament three times but has not participated due to lack of sponsorship.