12th February, 2013
No fewer than 35 players have been invited to the Nigeria Deaf Football Team ahead of the Deaflympics slated for Sofia, Bulgaria from 26 July through 4 August
Chief Coach of Nigerian team, Kamilu Banjo told P.M.News Sports that the invited players are expected to hit camp on 10 March at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The camping, according to Banjo, will help the team prepare ahead of the 2013 Summer Deaflympics. Banjo hinted that the team will play Union Bank a Lagos football team to keep the players fit ahead of the Games.
“We need to start early preparations so that the players will have a good outing in Bulgaria. We are not going to Bulgaria on a jamboree but we are going there with determination to do the nation proud,” he muted.
Asked if his team will win the Deaflympics football event, Banjo responded that he won’t promise Nigerians the trophy but he is sure of a good outing in the competition.
“I cannot guarantee the trophy because we are facing many challenges now. We have been given adequate attention like the Super Eagles and other national teams.. All I can say is that we will try our best in the championship,” he said.
According to the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf, ICSD, the sports that will feature at the Sofia 2013 Deaflympics include Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Bowling, Cycling, Football, Handball, Judo, Karate, Orienteering, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball and Wrestling.
—Sunday Akintoye