The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the national Men’s Deaf Football Team, known as the “Deaf Eagles,” for their remarkable representation of the country at the recently concluded 4th Edition of the World Deaf Football Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Their participation is viewed as a powerful display of patriotism.
Senator John Owan Enoh, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, expressed his appreciation during a reception held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, to welcome the athletes upon their return from the tournament, which took place from September 23 to October 7, 2023.
The Minister commended the team for their significant achievement in hoisting the Nigerian flag for the first time in the tournament’s four editions.
He noted that despite it being their debut appearance after three previous editions, the Deaf Eagles secured the 11th position in the world rankings for the game.
Senator Enoh emphasized that sports are an unparalleled tool for social inclusion, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in society. He praised the team’s hard work and patriotism, which have brought pride to the nation.
He said, “There is no greater demonstration of the social inclusiveness of sports than having a deaf team travel to represent Nigeria.
It is in sports that you find that there is no discrimination whatsoever.
As a nation, we applaud you, and I want you to know that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council, the Ministry, as well as all sports-loving Nigerians, are proud of all our athletes and, as such, solidly behind them.”
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sports development in the country.
He pledged to collaborate with relevant departments of the Ministry to ensure that deaf sports have a guaranteed place in both the National Sports Festival and the National Youth Games.
The President of the Deaf Sports Federation, Alhaji Suleiman Dagbo, expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Sports Development and appointing Senator Owan Enoh, an accomplished administrator, to oversee its affairs.
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He highlighted that Nigeria was represented by only 13 players who gave their best to secure the 11th position in the world.
Alhaji Sulaiman noted that the team faced a setback due to a walk-over caused by their late arrival at the competition but remained confident that they would achieve podium performances in future competitions if given the opportunity.
The Deaf Eagles’ participation in the international event not only signifies their remarkable sporting talent but also exemplifies social inclusiveness and unity in the country.
