Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF) have intensified efforts to ensure the Special Eagles participate in the 5th Amputee Football Africa Cup of Nations, which is billed to hold in Angola.
Sports247.ng can report that the team’s spokesman, Ugochukwu Obieze says the Eagles should be in Angola to consolidate on gains they got at the 2018 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
Obieze noted that being able to participate at the Mundial for the first time, after two failed previous attempts, was an eye-opener for the team and they want to build on it in 2019.
He explained that CANAF is a biennial tournament organised by the Amputee Football Federation for Africa (AFFA) to determine the continent’s best team and Amputee Football World Cup qualifiers.
Obieze, however, pointed out that the NAFF will again need far-reaching financial support and structural backing to make the Nations Cup dream a reality and enable the Special Eagles attend the tournament.
He said: “We have broken the jinx by our participation in the World Cup held in Mexico and it was a great achievement for the team and a good exposure for us.
“The Cup of Nations is the next tournament and our intention is to take part in the event, which is the fifth edition and is coming up in 2019.
“Our training now is geared towards participating in CANAF and the idea is to take advantage of our experience at the World Cup.
“The World Cup provided a good ground for us to play with teams from across the continent, which added value to our game.
“We want to correct the individual wing lapses and enhance team spirit, but we will need strong (backing from various sectors).
“(We need) support from individuals, corporate organizations and sports authorities to prepare very well and make the trip in order to participate in CANAF.”
