NAN-S-18
Amputee
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, Sept. 9, 2016 (NAN) Pius Asaba, a former Secretary of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF), has attributed dearth of activities in the body to dependency on government funding which has not been forthcoming.
Asaba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday that the board members ought to commit their time and resources to improve the standard of the sport.
“It is sad that the sport has found itself in this sad situation, where in a whole year no competition to engage the footballers and refreshers seminar for coaches.
“The Ministry of Youths and Sports is being saddled with too many responsibilities and this is compelling them to follow due process in living up to expectations such as subvention.
“My humble view is that the administrators in the board position should make the sport lively by collectively sponsoring at least a programme in a quarter.’’
He said it was important for the administrators to consider the plight of the players, which involve footballers living with physical disability and provide amiable atmosphere for them.
According to him, the sport which has gained awareness in only seven states of the 36 has yet to make significant progress to make it enviable for upcoming ones.
“We have footballers in this sport living with amputated limbs and hands that have passion and desire to build their football careers in amputee in spite of their physical challenge.
“We have our major national sports festival but amputee football has not been given an opportunity of featuring its sport because there is no solid foundation for the festival.’’
Reacting to the dearth of activities in the sport, Lamido Ladidi, NAFF President, said that necessary effort to get sponsors to execute its annual activities had not yielded positive results.
Ladidi said that the situation of the sport was pathetic; the body had not been able to hold a single programme since the year, even with activities lined up in our annual schedule.
“Instead of depending on the ministry for support, we set up a marketing committee to market the sport so as to attract sponsors.
“Unfortunately, promises from some companies and individuals are not forthcoming, hence, affecting our activities.’’
NAN reports that amputee football is a disabled sport play by seven players comprise of six players and a goalkeeper on each team, using metal crutches and boots. (NAN)
MIL/MO/OFN
(Edited by Morayo. Omolade//Felix Nwadioha)