Paul Maduakor, President of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation, has ignited the fervor for success as the nation gears up for the 2024 Amputee Football Nations Cup in Egypt.
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Maduakor articulated the team’s aspirations, stating, “The Special Eagles are going out not just to participate but also to win and qualify for the Amputee Football World Cup.”
Highlighting the significance of the Nations Cup as a stepping stone to the World Cup, Maduakor emphasized the urgency in kick-starting their campaign.
“The selection process for the World Cup dictates that the first five best teams at the Nations Cup will be automatic representatives of Africa in the World Cup, and the Nations Cup starts in April. We deem it wise enough to start early to avoid delays.”
Maduakor earnestly called upon philanthropists, individuals, and those with generous hearts to rally behind the team, providing not just moral but crucial financial support. He expressed the financial challenges faced by the federation, citing the difficulty in generating funds due to the current value of the dollar and exchange rates.
Addressing the team’s struggle for recognition and support, Maduakor revealed, “We are the pioneer amputee team in Africa, but because of lack of funding, most of the players don’t even have money to go for training.” He underscored the need to bring players together periodically to harness their potential, preparing them for victory on the international stage.
Maduakor urged Nigerians to recognize the discipline and professionalism exhibited by these athletes, choosing not to succumb to societal challenges but instead showcasing their prowess in Amputee football. He appealed to the corporate world, philanthropies, and fellow Nigerians to contribute towards the team’s success and provide essential support to the players who aspire to make their country proud.
In a forward-looking approach, Maduakor also emphasized the importance of catching young talent early, ensuring the development of future champions. The campaign seeks widespread support to secure the necessary resources for the team to realize their dreams at the 2024 Amputee Football Nations Cup.
