The Nigerian Federation of Sports for the Deaf (NDSF) called on the new Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, to support the federation to participate in the first African Athletics Championship for the Deaf.

Federation secretary Lukman Agbabiaka told the Nigeria News Agency (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that the championships will be held from September 16 to 22 in Nairobi, Kenya.

He said the federation had about 20 athletes, adding that the number could be reduced depending on approval and available funds. "We hope that the ministry will give us the support we need because they are our first refuge every time we need help before we can think of someone."

"We also need the support of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), philanthropists and rich Nigerians who love sports." We are determined to participate in the championships, but this will only be possible if we receive the necessary support.

"They are working hard to make the country proud by winning one medal each," he said. Agbabiaka added: "The Federation has participated in the Deaf Olympic Games in the past and has won medals for the country. In 2019, in Taipei, Taiwan, we won two silver medals.

"In 2013, in Sofia, Bulgaria, we won a bronze medal. Every time we represent the country in a competition, we always come home with a medal," he said. He added that the federation would also participate in the West Africa Deaf Soccer Tournament from September 24 to October 4 in Sierra Leone.

In addition, on September 22, the NDFA of Nigeria (Nigeria Deaf Football Association) expressed its gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and Sports Development for the upcoming WADFU (West African Football Federation) tournament. deaf football) in Sierra Leone. Banjo Kamiludeen, head coach of NDFA, told the Nigerian news agency (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday that the association had received support for their participation in the tournament.

He told NAN at the national camp that the association's soccer players, known as "Deaf Eagles," said the ministry was encouraging the team to participate in the tournament. According to the NAN, Deaf Eagles of Nigeria and eight other people are expected to participate in the SDSU (Sierra Leone Deaf Sports Union) tournament in Freetown on Tuesday, October 6.

The secretary said the Nigerian team was known as "Deaf Eagles" and was currently ranked number one in West Africa and two in Africa. They are also applauded by NetBet fans in Lagos for their achievements.

"We are sincerely grateful to the Federal Ministry of Sports for responding to our proposal for preparations for this upcoming tournament, which has allowed us to be in camp now." "The necessary preparations are underway and the boys are training hard. Therefore, we are optimistic about our participation in the tournament that will begin next week," Kamiludeen said.

He added that the federation had asked for support from individuals, companies and state governments, who had promised to identify with the deaf. However, the coach appealed to these people and organizations to respond quickly.

He added that his team had participated in friendly matches with private soccer clubs as part of their capacity development program to strengthen the willingness of soccer players to participate in a glorious exit from the tournament. The head coach revealed that the team of 18 players and the team training team, camped at the Teslim Balogun stadium in Lagos, were due to leave Nigeria on Tuesday.

Kamiludeen said that Nigeria, champion of the first three editions of the annual WADFU tournament, would fight for a place in the African Cup of the Deaf.

"We hope and expect support from other sources because it will really motivate the players and make them understand that the Nigerians are firmly behind them." "Friendly matches are an extension of the camp program and this has allowed us to evaluate our current form as with its wings and strengthen the team spirit in them," he added.

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