Amputee players storm Lagos for zonal football championship

By Ifeanyi Eduzor
Amputee football players from different states of the Federation have started arriving Lagos ahead of the National Amputee Zonal football championship slated for May, 3-6 at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
According to President of Amputee Football Federation of Nigeria, Paul Maduakor, the competition which will be among played the six geopolitical zones of the country is aimed at popularizing amputee football in the country as well as select new crop of national team players that will represent the country at the international level.
He further stated that they’re not limiting the competition to only states that have strong amputee teams but will encourage zones that cannot provide a complete team to merge with other states and present a formidable team.
“We’re organising the competition inorder to popularize the game of amputee football in the country as well as give the players opportunity to exhibit their talents.
“In doing this, we’re not limiting the championship to only states that are strong in amputee football because we want to encourage all states to engage in amputee football. Any state that cannot present a complete team will be allowed to merge with other states to present a formidable team and make the championship more competitive.
” You’re aware that we’re having the Para Games in Ghana in September and the Africa Amputee Nations Cup later in the year in Egypt and the championship will serve as a selection process to get new crop of players that will represent the country in those events and other ones”he explained.
Maduakor expressed hope that the championship will live up to expectation as all the players will put in their best to stand a chance of being selected as national team players.
On logistics for the competition Maduakor who is also the sponsor of the championship noted that all logistics have been put in place for a successful tournament even as he appealed to football lovers to come out in their hundreds to cheer and encourage the players as they exhibit their talents.