Nigeria has won the rights to host the 2019 Africa Deaf Football Championship in November 2019.
The ability to enjoy football is for everyone, including the deaf, dumb and lame players alike.
Through deaf football, governing bodies around the globe have afforded players of hard hearing, the opportunity to represent their country in international games, while also enjoying the beautiful game of football.
The Nigeria Deaf Football Association’s (NDFA), have been able to accomplish this for interested players with impaired hearing, however, support for the association has been quite low in recent years, despite the national team’s many successes at international events.
For the first time, the national deaf football governing body will host the tournament, which is expected to serve as part of the qualifiers for the 2020 World Cup and 2022 Deaf-Olympics, as well as develop local awareness of the game.
Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, Amuda Ibrahim, a board member of Confederation for Africa Deaf Sports (CADS), said the country won the hosting right thanks to the national team’s top of the line performances at international events.
“Nigeria’s Deaf Eagles have been significantly active in West Africa and Africa Deaf football tournaments since the inception of the competition in 2000.
“The team have been in the forefront in all its participation and have lifted the trophy three times and twice finished second position, an outstanding in Africa ranking.
“It was on that note that CADS official ruling body deemed it fit to acknowledge Nigeria’s impressive records by awarding it the hosting right of 2019 Africa Deaf Football tournament.”
— Amuda Ibrahim
Amuda believes that with the event, many deaf players who do not know about the game will be enlightened and persuaded to join the national team.
“The drive to watch deaf footballers on the pitch will attract fans to the sports and some will be inspired to identity with activities of the sport by way of sponsorship.”
– Ibrahim
Source: Vanguardngr
Featured image source: The Eagle Online