By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lawrence Ojaideh, Founder, Wheelchair American Football in Nigeria, has commended stakeholders for supporting the sport’s exhibition game held on Thursday in Lagos.
Ojaideh made the commendation on Saturday, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to him, the exhibition marks a significant milestone in the development of sports in Nigeria and Africa, especially by promoting opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
He said the event demonstrated that an inclusive and sustainable sports system, could be developed to empower athletes to compete and excel at the highest level.
According to him, the initiative aim to create opportunities for athletes with disabilities to pursue their ambitions and compete for titles.
Ojaideh said the organisation, with the support of its board, was identifying and developing elite talents, while establishing structured pathways from the grassroots level.
He added that the initiative extended beyond Wheelchair American Football, with plans also underway to establish Tackle Football and Flag Football leagues.
Speaking further, he said creating a sustainable and high-performance environment for athletes across Nigeria and beyond, required the collective efforts of key stakeholders.
Ojaideh then called on corporate organisations, diplomatic missions, educational institutions and government agencies to support the development of the sport.
Similarly, Dominik Muller, a German national based in Nigeria, said he was impressed by the exhibition and had followed the sport since its debut in the U.S.
Muller urged the organisers and board members to work together to establish a formidable league, capable of developing and showcasing Nigeria’s young talents.
He said the participation of young athletes at the exhibition demonstrated the growing interest in Wheelchair American Football and its potential for further development.
NAN reports that no fewer than four teams participated in the exhibition matches, which attracted representatives of the U.S. Consulate and the South African Consulate-General.
The one-day exhibition also attracted representatives of the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, as well as Unique Open University.
The exhibition provided an opportunity for players, stakeholders and sports enthusiasts to witness the growth of Wheelchair American Football in Nigeria.
At the conclusion of the exhibition games, Liberty Pioneer defeated Iron Invicta 13 – 0.
Atlantic Chargers defeated Lagos Dynamos 7 – 0, while Liberty Pioneer defeated Atlantic Chargers 10 – 3.
The organisers of the event, the American Football Elite Development (AFEDEV), were represented by members of its board. (NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu