Lagos – Athletes of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF) are easing themselves out following the ban slammed on Nigeria by the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2014 ban was triggered by NAFF’s failure to pay its annual affiliation fee to WAFF in the last four years.
The Federation paid its last affiliation fee in 2013.
However, the ban had placed restrictions on the Federation to feature in continental and international competitions organised by African and international bodies.
NAFF’s Secretary,Victor Anusa, told NAN on Thursday in Lagos: “The situation is pathetic because the Federation till date cannot afford the funds to either pay its debt or organise competitions.
“Although we are working tirelessly to ensure that we sort out the challenges of the federation, but it will take a while to determine the success of the moves we are making.’’
He, however, said the Federal Ministry of Sports had intervened as it had promised to offset the four-year debt.
Colins Durosimi, a goal keeper, said amputee athletes had been abandoned to their fate and could hardly cater for their needs.
“The issues that we have to deal with at the moment are so enormous that we cannot deal with all of them same time.
“I hope members of the federation will come to our aid.
“It is unfortunate that complaints such as lack of funds have not only been the song of NAFF, but the entire nation.
“The situation is disheartening and sometimes makes us feel we should go and find something else to do with our lives,’’ he also told NAN.
Azeez Folorunsho, a striker, said over the last six months that there had not been any competition to challenge or strengthen the skills of athletes.
Folorunsho said the Federation’s calendar of competitions had not been implemented due to lack of funds.
Another striker, Eniola Adeniji, also told NAN that the board of the federation should source for funds to host some championships to sustain the skills of athletes.
“It is true there is no money but our board members can task themselves to host a number of competitions.
“We have been idle for more than three years now and many players are quitting from the sport,’’ he said. (NAN)
