Captain of Nigeria’s Amputee Football National Team, Sarafadeen Oyeleke, has called on the Federal Government to establish a sustainable national league and athletes’ welfare programme for the sport.
Oyeleke said regular domestic competitions, improved funding and structured welfare support were necessary to strengthen amputee football and sustain Nigeria’s competitiveness internationally.
He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos, ahead of the 2026 World Amputee Football Cup in Mexico.
Oyeleke, who is also the Athletes’ Representative of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF), said the country had made progress in spite of persistent challenges.
According to him, Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup demonstrates the determination of its players and the potential of amputee football.
The captain, who had represented the country for more than 18 years, however, said the sport needed stronger structures beyond preparations for international competitions.
He cited Turkey as an example of a country that had developed amputee football through organised domestic competitions, institutional support as well as consistent investment.
Oyeleke said many Nigerian amputee footballers struggled to balance their sporting careers with personal and family responsibilities.
He explained that several players depended on personal businesses, employment and other activities, because they lacked regular income from football.
The athletes’ representatives of the NAFF also identified healthcare, rehabilitation, transportation and mobility support as additional expenses confronting athletes with disabilities.
According to him, specialised equipment, including crutches, is essential to players’ performance, but can be expensive to maintain or replace.
The captain called for a structured welfare programme covering medical insurance, financial support, educational opportunities and career development.
He said athletes also needed support to prepare for life after their active sporting careers.
“Our players are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for opportunities and support systems that recognise our contributions as national athletes,” he said.
On the side of recognition, Oyeleke said Nigerian amputee footballers received encouragement from supporters whenever they represented the country at major international competitions.
He, however, said recognition should extend beyond medal-winning performances and participation in international tournaments.
Speaking further, he said players made significant sacrifices through regular training and personal commitments to remain competitive.
Oyeleke recalled that Nigeria reached the final of the 2019 African Amputee Football Cup of Nations in Angola.
He added that the team subsequently qualified for the 2026 World Cup through its performance at the 2024 African championship in Egypt.
The captain urged media organisations, corporate institutions and sporting authorities to give amputee football sustained attention.
According to him, regular media coverage, sponsorship opportunities, domestic competitions and national sporting awards will improve the sport’s visibility.
He said sustained recognition would also encourage younger persons with disabilities to participate in sports.
Speaking on the future of the game, Oyeleke identified the establishment of a structured national amputee football league as a major priority.
He said a domestic league would provide players across different states with regular competitions and opportunities to develop their abilities.
The captain also called for greater investment in grassroots programmes, coaching education, accessible training facilities and medical support.
He said partnerships with corporate organisations would further strengthen the development of amputee football.
Oyeleke also stressed the need to create opportunities for former players to transition into coaching, sports administration and other careers.
He said the development of the sport should continue throughout the year, rather than end after international competitions.
On what he would propose to President Bola Tinubu, the captain advocated a National Amputee Football Development and Athletes’ Welfare Programme.
He said the initiative could be implemented through the National Sports Commission (NSC) in collaboration with NAFF and other relevant stakeholders.
The captain identified a structured national league, comprehensive athletes’ welfare and post-retirement opportunities as three key components of the proposed programme.
Oyeleke said Nigeria possessed the talent and determination to build a stronger amputee football structure.
He said investment in the sport would promote inclusion, recognise athletes’ abilities and strengthen Nigeria’s position in international competitions.
“As someone who has proudly represented Nigeria for over 18 years, my greatest desire is not simply to see our generation succeed, but to help establish a stronger foundation for those who will represent the country after us,” he said.
He noted that sustainable development, rather than temporary support for major tournaments, would provide a lasting foundation for the country’s amputee football.
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