The Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, has charged the Nigerian Deaf Football national team (The Deaf Eagles) to win the 12th edition of the West African Deaf Football Championship which kicked off in Lagos at the weekend.
Senator Owan Enoh gave the charge while declaring the event open at the magnificent Onikan Waterfront Stadium on Saturday.
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Represented by Mrs. Nkana Mbora, Director of Sports in charge of the Lagos liaison office of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development (FMSD), the minister reasoned that he is in tune with the hosting more so when it is obvious that it such a sector of our sports that accounts for Nigeria laurels at international competitions like the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in France and as cannot be neglected.
The Minister said he is fully aware that Nigeria is going for her fifth win of the championship having emerged as champions four times in the past and wished them well having seen the outstanding football skills they displayed.
As the host country, the minister advised team Nigeria to play a fatherly role by ensuring that all the visiting teams feel at home.
West Africa Deaf Sports President, Mr Ibrahim Amuda in his welcome address, thanked Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) for their financial support for WASU since 2010. He also commended all the visiting teams from various countries like Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali.
Meanwhile, President of Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation(NDSF), Alhaji Saka Sulaiman Dagbo, said the tournament will provide dual benefit to team Nigeria, preparation for the 2nd Africa Deaf Football championship in Morocco in November and the 2025 Deaflympic Competition.
This submission was collaborated by the Comrade Ige Jenyo Olawale, the Vice President of NDSF.