Some gamers of Nigeria’s Amputee Soccer Nationwide Staff, the Particular Eagles, say they’re optimistic about their possibilities on the 2026 Amputee World Cup in Costa Rica.
They spoke with the Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday, calling for extra help to spice up preparations forward of the mundial.
Defender Nnanna Nwakpa, primarily based in Lagos, stated amputee soccer had been life-changing for him since becoming a member of 5 years in the past.
“I’ve at all times liked soccer, each taking part in and watching. After my amputation, I found amputee soccer on the Nationwide Stadium in Lagos.
“At first, it was tough, however ultimately it clicked. Soccer grew to become therapeutic, it helped me mentally and performed a giant function in my restoration,” he instructed NAN.
Reflecting on the 2024 Amputee Nations Cup in Egypt, the place Nigeria beat Burundi 11–0, Nwakpa described it as a stupendous second.
“We knew Egypt had already crushed Burundi 8–1, so we needed to set an even bigger goal. The techniques clicked, and the objectives stored coming,” he stated.
On grassroots growth, he praised the federation underneath President Paul Maduaku for introducing initiatives resembling Kick for Love and zonal championships.
“There are extra video games and scouting alternatives now, and it offers younger gamers the prospect to be found,” he added.
One other participant, Michael Joel from Imo, stated ardour and pleasure for soccer stored him going after dropping his leg in 2018.
“It’s not about cash, however the love of the sport. I used to be taking part in able-bodied soccer earlier than amputation, and that zeal nonetheless drives me right now,” he stated.
Joel stated balancing soccer with life off the pitch meant doing on-line work, spoken phrase, and poetry as facet hustles.
He additionally expressed confidence forward of the World Cup.
“With each home-based and foreign-based gamers, and the extent of preparation we’ve had, I consider we’re able to face robust European groups,” he stated.
For Eze Chikenedu, a central defender, the World Cup ticket secured in Egypt is proof of the staff’s readiness.
“We’re 100% prepared as a result of we already certified. The principle problem now could be finance, however with correct help, we might be effectively ready,” he stated.
Chikenedu pressured that authorities and personal backing would make an enormous distinction.
“With sufficient help, the staff can enhance each on and off the pitch,” he stated. He additionally famous the resilience of the squad.
“In each incapacity, there’s skill. We don’t see our situation as the top. As an alternative, we use it as motivation to make Nigeria proud,” he stated.
Head coach Gbenga Dosunmu stated the staff was equal to the duty.
“By God’s grace, this isn’t the primary time. We now have what it takes to be there, and if effectively packaged, efficiency might be very excessive,” he stated.
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Mr Dosunmu appealed to sponsors and policymakers for extra help.
“Their help will go a great distance for the staff, as a result of we have now a robust squad,” he added.
In the meantime, the Particular Eagles’ willpower highlights amputee soccer’s rising function in Nigeria’s sports activities sector, however funding and visibility stay key to international success.
(NAN)
