16th March, 2012
Nigeria Deaf Football Team will resume camping on 20 March, ahead of the West Africa Deaf Football Tournament slated for Lagos.
Eight West African countries will compete at the championship, which will hold from 24-31 March, at the mainbowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Chief coach of the team, Kamilu Banjo, confirmed to P.M.Sports that they are still searching for sponsors that will provide t feeding allowance for the players in camp and their match bonus during the championship.
Banjo said it is unfortunate that the team are yet to start preparation for the tourney, as this may affect Nigeria’s chances of winning the title.
“ I cannot guarantee Nigerians the trophy because we are facing many challenges now. We are not given adequate attention like the Super Eagles and other national teams. That is why our preparation is behind schedule. All I can say now is that we will try our best in the championship,” he said.
Banjo said he has confidence in his players, but tregretted he has time to build a formidable team that can go all the way to the final.
“We will spend four days in camp before the competition starts. Honestly, it will be a difficult task for me to raise a formidable team for the championship because of the limited time. If we get financial support from corporate bodies or sports philanthropists now, we will resume for camping immediately so that we can have enough time to prepare for the tourney ,” he said.
Banjo, however, said despite the challenges, he is optimistic that his team will be outstanding at the championship.
He said the players that will be invited to camp are ready to make Nigeria proud.
—Sunday Akintoye