Ghana, 3 Other W/A Countries Embrace Para-Soccer

Four West African Countries have so far embraced para-soccer game even as the founders made aggressive efforts to further popularise the game in Nigeria.

The Para-soccer Federation of Nigeria (PFN) President and founder of the game, Alhaji Misbahu Lawan Didi, disclosed yesterday in Abuja while intimating Abuja Sports to arrangements so far made in anticipation of the second PFN championship kicking off on Monday.

The President listed the four West African Countries which have embraced the game as Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and Niger Republic.

Alhaji Lawan Didi observed that para-soccer which was mooted and played first in Marina, Lagos in 1988 was gradually engaging the attention of several persons especially those with physical disabilities.

Para-soccer is played mostly by cripples who play with their hands though applying rules peculiar to football. Already the game is being played in 20 states of the federation.

At the last National Sports Festival (NSF) in Bauchi 2000, para-soccer featured as a demonstration game. The Sports Ministry at the NSF gave the nod for the PFN to come on stream.

It was affiliated to the NFA as against the Special Sports Federation many thought it rightly belonged to, moreso as it was first recognised by the National Sports Association for the Disabled (NSAD).

Alhaji Lawan Didi said arrangements for the 2nd PFN which would attract 17 states were in progress noting that the NNPC had already donated trophies for the first three winners, jerseys and face caps for the participants.

Besides, the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) has equally identified with the championship by donating a trophy for the best behaved team. Apart from the above several prizes, including cash, would be won by the teams.