Borno amputee football promotes inclusion, rehabilitation as yellow team lifts trophy
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Borno State Amputee Football Competition on Thursday ended with the Yellow Team emerging champions after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the White Team in Maiduguri.
The competition, organised under the Borno State Amputee Football Programme and supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), brought together athletes, government officials, development partners and members of the disability community to celebrate inclusion, resilience and sporting excellence.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the Amputee Football Programme in Borno State, Mr Abba Bukar, said the competition was not only about football but also about creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents and contribute meaningfully to society.
He commended Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum for supporting initiatives that promote inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in the state.
Bukar also expressed appreciation to the ICRC, coaches, volunteers and stakeholders whose contributions made the programme successful.
“The athletes before us are not defined by what they have lost but by what they continue to achieve. They are proof that disability is not inability,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Subhash Sinha, ICRC Physical Rehabilitation Project Manager, described amputee football as a powerful tool for physical and psychological rehabilitation.
According to him, the sport helps participants rebuild strength, mobility, balance and self-confidence while promoting social integration and challenging societal stigma against persons with disabilities.
“Amputee football is not just a sport; it is rehabilitation, advocacy and representation combined,” Sinha said.
Mr Yusuf Mohammed, Director of Sports in the Borno State Ministry of Sports, said the state government would continue to support such competitions to give persons with disabilities a sense of belonging.
He noted that hosting amputee football championships would place the sport in the national spotlight and serve as a platform for discovering talents capable of representing Nigeria at international competitions.
The event concluded with the presentation of the trophy to the victorious Yellow Team amid cheers from spectators and participants.
