Sports Minister Welcomes Deaf Eagles from First World Cup Appearance

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, yesterday received in his office in Abuja Nigeria’s Men’s Deaf football team after their participation at the 4th edition of the World Deaf Football Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Minister hailed the team for their outing as they made Nigeria proud.u

“I congratulate you all for representing Nigeria at the World Championships, as we made our first appearance since 2008 when this tournament started,” the Minister said. 

“In three previous editions, Nigeria was not represented, but for the first time ever, the Nigerian flag was hoisted at the Games courtesy of your hard work. This deserves that we appreciate and commend you,” observed the minister while receiving the contingent.

Senator Enoh added that sports remains the greatest tool for social inclusion, with its ability to engender diversity, equity and inclusion in the society. 

The President of the Deaf Sports Federation, Alhaji Sulieman Saka Dagbo, thanked the Minister for receiving the team, as it was the first time of being accorded such honour in spite of their past achievements at the continental and global level. 

“We did not expect that a Minister would show up to receive us honourably, that has never happened before,” he said. “With this honour, we will ensure that we perform even better in subsequent competitions.”

Dagbo made a special request for the minister to provide accommodation, and allowances for the team, which was expeditely approved by the Minister.

Coach of the team, Kamaldeen Banjo, noted that in spite of the team travelling with 13 players and two coaches, they gave their best shot in Kuala Lumpur. He thanked the Minister for the support provided while the team was away on international soil.

Nigeria ranked 11th out of 25 countries at the Games, after surpassing the group stages. The deaf Eagles exited the Championship gallantly after losing 2-0 to Ukraine in the Round of 16.