NAN-S-13
Fall-back
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, Jan. 4, 2017 (NAN) Austin Ugwu, a player in the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF), on Wednesday said that upgrading ones education was a viable alternative in sports career.
Ugwu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that football was his first love but for dearth of competition, he had resolved to go back to school as a substitute.
“Even though one chooses to build a career in any sport of his choice as a fall-back, education is still the most important legacy anybody can have in life.
“I was not discouraged by my amputated leg, I love soccer, that’s the reason I still developed my career in amputee football.
“But the lack of competitions in amputee football is worrisome and I personally cannot continue to be dwell in its stagnant state and so, I went back to school.
“My going back to school does not stop me from playing football because I will still find time in school to train and play with the able body,’’ he said.
Ugwu, a third year Biology Education student of University of Lagos (UNILAG), said that his vision was to obtain a degree, and continue training in amputee football to remain in form.
“I am still a proud member of amputee football, I will continue to identify with the sport whenever an opportunity comes up and even play beyond Nigeria,’’ he added.
He expressed displeasure with the manner the NAFF board was running the affairs of the sport, adding that some have also gone into other ventures to earn a living.
“I expect members of the board to make their presence significant by ensuring that competitions are held even if its three times a year than relying on the government,’’ he said.
“Some are trading, some are riding Tricycle, otherwise called “Keke NAPEP’’ and others are trying to fit in other sports that can accommodate their physical challenges,’’ he said.
The amputee footballer urged NAFF to make amputee football an enviable sport to retain players and attract more disabled persons. (NAN)
MIL/ESAN/PDE
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(Edited by Abiodun Esan/Peter Ejiofor)