NAFF President Unveils Bold 2025 Vision for Amputee Football

In a virtual meeting held on January 20, 2025, the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation NAFF President, Ambassador Paul Maduakor, outlined an ambitious plan to propel amputee football forward. Addressing players from both the Special Eagles and Special Falcons, Maduakor expressed appreciation for their dedication, noting the Special Eagles’ qualification for the 2026 World Amputee Football Cup as a source of national pride. The Special Falcons were also commended for their efforts in the inaugural Female World Cup, despite missing qualification.

Maduakor’s 2025 roadmap includes several key events: the “Kick for Love/Glory” Valentine’s showcase, the African Women Championship in Nigeria (pending approval), the West African Amputee Championship, and a National Amputee Championship involving teams from all 36 states. Other initiatives include introducing a national league, the 3rd National Para Festival, and rigorous preparation for major tournaments like the 2026 African Amputee Nations Cup.

During the Q&A session, players discussed their concerns, which Maduakor pledged to address. The meeting ended with prayers and optimism for the year ahead.

Editorial

We believe that the 2025 roadmap unveiled by Ambassador Paul Maduakor is not just a bold strategy but a necessary push for amputee football in Nigeria. For too long, this sport has flown under the radar, despite the dedication of players who have shown resilience against significant odds. Now is the time to give these athletes the infrastructure, recognition, and support they deserve.

The planned initiatives, particularly the introduction of a national league and a unified national championship, are potential game changers. A structured league system will provide much needed exposure for players, fostering talent development and offering regular competitive opportunities. This isn’t just about trophies it’s about building a sustainable system that allows players to grow beyond sporadic events.

The emphasis on inclusive tournaments such as the African Women’s Championship and Kick for Love shows an awareness of the broader social impact of sport. By showcasing female athletes and promoting events that unite communities, NAFF is making a statement: amputee football is for everyone.

However, bold plans require more than ambition they demand resources and follow-through. Stakeholders, including corporate sponsors and government bodies, must rally behind NAFF. Financial support, training facilities, and media coverage are essential. Without them, even the best laid plans will falter.

We commend Maduakor for creating a vision, but we must be partners in realizing it. The Special Eagles and Falcons have proven they have the talent. Now it’s up to us to ensure they have the platform to shine. Let 2025 be the year we make their dreams a reality.

Did You Know?

1. The first ever World Amputee Football Cup took place in 1984, with only a few participating nations.
2. Nigeria’s Special Eagles debuted in the Amputee Football World Cup in 2018, marking a significant achievement despite financial hurdles.
3. Amputee football teams consist of seven players six outfield players and a goalkeeper, with outfield players using crutches and goalkeepers restricted to one arm.
4. The sport is governed internationally by the World Amputee Football Federation WAFF, promoting inclusive tournaments worldwide.
5. Nigeria’s female amputee team, the Special Falcons, was formed to ensure female athletes have equal opportunities to represent their country on a global stage.