The Nigeria’s Waka Team left the country yesterday departed Lagos for Kigali in a winning spirit ahead of their two-match tour against their Rwandan counterparts.
Led by Godson Uti, the 12-man team will face their Rwandan counterparts in two international friendlies today and tomorrow as part of their preparation ahead of next summer’s Walking Football Nations Cup to be held in Manchester.
“We are absolutely positive about our chances against Rwanda,” Uti told NationSport shortly before the team’s departure from the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos. “This is the first time two African countries would be playing a friendly match at this level as such we are really looking forward to victory.
“For real, we are going to have fun but I am sure it will be a victory.”
Under the auspices of Waka Football Nigeria, the compact team that include the likes of former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 1st Vice President, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam as well as former Lagos NEPA ‘s captain Abiodun Alakija, is made of former players and enthusiasts that are over 50 years of age.
“Waka football is very interesting,” Uti further explained. “It’s very technical but you must be skilful to use the ball since, there’s no body contact, no heading of the ball, no tackling, no running and it’s a form of exercise by keeping the ball moving while you are walking!
Walker football is for those above 50 that love football, we are creating a conducive sporting arena for all football lovers. In this kind of game, there’s a rule, there’s no body contact, no heading of the ball, no tackling, no running, it’s just about kicking the ball in the form of exercise.”
US based Alakija enthused that it is a great opportunity to represent Nigeria at this level, adding the team is leaving no stone unturned in order to bring glory to the country at this level.
“The likes of Ike Shorunmu, Dosu Joseph and Abiodun Baruwa were my teammates in my playing days,” the former goalkeeper said. “I am based in USA but I have to come back home in order to join my teammates in serving my fatherland at this level.
“We are all gentlemen full of passion for the game and we are going to do our best in Kigali against Rwanda and also when we go to Manchester next year for the Walking Football Nations Cup.”
Speaking in the same vein, former Lagos State Sports Council chairman Yomi Dada who is the team’s top striker, said Nigeria’s Walking Football Team has come to stay, adding he’s ready to score the goals to make the country proud.
“My desire is to get the golden boot for my team and my country at this age,” explained the Law Barrister. “I love football and I love playing it, so it’s great to be part of this team at this age and still be “Waka football is a good development for our age; we are passionate about it and we shall do our best to bring honour to our country at this level,” he added.
Meanwhile, Uti has solicited support from Corporate Nigeria ahead of their trip to Manchester for the Walking Football Nations Cup:
“Already, we have qualified to represent Nigeria at the Walking Football Nations Cup in Manchester and I’m using this opportunity to call on Corporate Nigeria to identify with us in order to fly the county’s flag with pride in Manchester next year.”
We are looking forward to sponsorship to stage the upcoming world cup in England, for now, we are doing all these things from our pocket but we are hoping to have as many sponsors as possible for the World Cup. As a matter of fact, a lot of people love the game and we are hoping to expand and be under the constituted authority.