Peter Rufai, Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper has lauded the initiative of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation to organize a zonal championship involving six teams from Nigeria’s geo-political zones in bid to yield more gains for the sport and the NAFF national team.
The aim is to achieve a maximum level of preparedness ahead of the African Amputee Football Nations Cup in Egypt as well as the All African Para-Games in Ghana.
The inaugural edition of the championship started today at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos and it is expected to end with a grand finale game on the 6th May, Saturday where a lot of dignitaries will be gracing the closing game.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sports247.ng following his brief appearance at the opening game today, Rufai praised the organizers behind the idea.
“I think it is a welcoming one in the sense that it’s an area of concentration that should not be left out because it means a lot to the sporting industry as well to the nations as a whole.”
“If this can be well looked into by the necessary sporting body of authorities that regulates sports, it will go a long way in creating an ambience for our athletes who can participate and make it a memorable one both for themselves and the community, the state, nation and Africa as a whole,” he advised.
“The concern for the sport is one and also the position where Nigeria is put is very important.”
On the proposed Amputee World Cup and Nigeria’s chances in the event if it eventually materializes, Rufai advised that there’s need to prepare from here so that it will set the ground for the next occurrence.
The competition has seen six zonal representatives from North-West, North-East, North-Central, South-West, South-East and South-South participate today as they look to make it to the grand final with the game set to continue tomorrow.
