The Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation (NDSF) has urged the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, to expedite the payment of allowances owed to Nigerian Deaf football players for their participation in the 4th World Deaf Football Championship held in Malaysia in 2023.
This appeal was made during a courtesy visit to the NSC chairman’s office on February 7, 2025.
Speaking at the meeting, NDSF President, Alhaji Suleiman Dagbo, highlighted the lingering issue of unpaid allowances for the national Deaf football team from the Malaysia 2023 tournament. He noted that the matter had previously been brought to the attention of the former Minister of Sports and was still undergoing processing for disbursement.
Dagbo urged the NSC chairman to facilitate the immediate release of the outstanding payments. He also appealed for the settlement of debts owed to international Deaf sports organizations, which have hindered Nigeria’s participation in global competitions.
As Nigeria prepares to host the 13th West Africa Deaf Football Tournament in Abuja later this year, the NDSF president sought the commission’s support. He also called for assistance in enabling Nigeria’s participation in continental sporting events scheduled for 2026, emphasizing the importance of international exposure for Deaf athletes.
The Secretary-General of the Nigeria Deaf Football Association (NDFA), Mr. Nehemiah Daret, reinforced the president’s concerns, stressing the challenges faced by the national Deaf football team. He urged the commission to take swift action to resolve the issue, emphasizing that the payment of allowances would greatly boost the morale of the players who have represented the nation with dedication.
He also informed the NSC Chairman that the Deaf Eagles of Nigeria are ranked 11th in the world, 3rd in Africa, and 1st in West Africa. He stressed that this marks the fifth major trophy won by the Nigerian Deaf Eagles, a feat that has brought pride to the country. He urged the government to provide adequate support for the team, similar to their hearing counterparts.
In response, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko expressed his appreciation for the visit, describing it as a historic engagement. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting inclusive sports development and ensuring that Deaf and para-athletes receive the necessary support. He also commended the Nigerian Deaf football team for their victory in the West Africa Deaf Football Tournament held in Lagos last year.
Dikko assured the delegation that the unpaid allowances would be reviewed and addressed promptly. He also pledged to look into the settlement of Nigeria’s outstanding debts to international Deaf sports bodies.
Additionally, he welcomed the initiative to host the National Deaf Games and pledged his administration’s full support for its development.
A key moment of the event was the presentation of the trophy won by the Nigerian Deaf football team, along with a pair of West Africa Deaf Sports Union (WADSU) T-shirts and caps.
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2 comments
This is. All we always need , we the deaf should be treated exactly with the hearing team , enough is enough deaf are humans not animal ,
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