Sports
LAWRENCE Ojaideh has pledged to drive Wheelchair Football across Nigeria and Africa, describing the emerging discipline as a pathway to greater opportunities for para-athletes.
Ojaideh, Chief Executive Officer of American Football Elite Development (AFEDEV), expressed confidence after the sport’s introduction to para-athletes in Lagos on Friday.
The AFEDEV boss, who also serves as Vice-President of the Nigeria Federation of American Football, said the initiative would broaden participation in adaptive sports.
He said pioneering Wheelchair Football would empower athletes with disabilities, including those already competing in other sports, to reach higher competitive and personal achievements.
According to him, the enthusiastic turnout during the introductory session demonstrates growing interest and reinforced confidence in the sport’s future across Nigeria and Africa.
Ojaideh said AFEDEV remained committed to producing elite athletes while expanding American Football through its various disciplines nationwide.
He explained that American Football comprises Flag Football, Tackle Football and the newly introduced Wheelchair Football, each offering opportunities for talent development and competition.
“Today is very unique as it is the first day introducing the sport to our para-athletes and already they are loving every moment,” he said.
He said AFEDEV planned to establish a competitive league, enabling athletes to contest championships and honours while strengthening the sport’s domestic structure.
“We want to develop the sport to league level where we can have our athletes compete for honours and championship titles,” Ojaideh said.
He expressed optimism about attracting sponsorship from corporate organisations and support from state sports associations to sustain the initiative’s long-term growth.
“We are confident of getting support of the corporate world and, most importantly, the state sports association,” he added.
Ojaideh noted that Wheelchair Football already enjoys strong popularity in the United States and Europe, with international governing bodies promoting its global expansion.
He said AFEDEV was proud to pioneer the initiative in Africa, promising to spearhead its development and encourage wider participation throughout Nigeria and beyond. (NAN)
Tags: Wheel chair football expansion