Special Eagles of Nigeria captain, Oyeleke Sharafadeen Olalekan has revealed the strategy and factors that earned his team a goalless draw with Egypt in their opening match at this year’s African Amputee Football Cup of Nations (AAFCON 2024).
Special Eagles put up a gallant fight against the host nation on Saturday, with Kennedy Ezeji ending up as man of the match, and Olalekan disclosed that the Nigerians were able to hold the Egyptians because they all played to their gaffer’s instructions.
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While also thanking the technical committee of Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF) for briefing the squad ahead of time about the competition’s rules and regulations, Olalekan added that all the players gave good accounts of themselves in each department of the game.
He eulogised: “From the goalkeeper to the defence, midfielders, flankmen and attacking players, we all listened to the coach’s instructions.
“We also followed all rules and regulations given us by the technical department, just to make sure we got everything right.
“We had to make sure we didn’t allow the opponents get into our box and that we didn’t concede a goal.”
While relishing Saturday’s draw, Olalekan admitted that he and his colleagues cannot afford to rest on their oars, as they still have game against Burundi to prosecute, even as all the competing nations eye the Amputee Football World Cup ticket.
“It’s a good one for us, and we are happy. The game is gone, and we are now working towards the next one, which is against Burundi.
“We are not underrating any team, as we know amputee football is growing in Africa, and everybody is prepared for this tournament. Everybody wants to qualify for the World Cup.
“So, we are putting in more energy and working on how we can get three points. We are also planning on getting as many goals as we can, because Egypt will also go out seeking victories in their next match.
“This means the group is still open; but I believe we will scale through, by the special grace of God,” Olalekan enthused.
