Deaf athletes across Nigeria are awaiting concrete action from sports authorities after protesting their exclusion from the 2026 National Sports Festival, with a presidential aide pledging to raise their concerns with relevant officials.
The athletes staged a demonstration at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, on Monday, October 19, challenging the decision to leave Deaf sports out of the compulsory events for the Coal City Games, scheduled to hold in Enugu from November 27 to December 11.
The protest was led by national Deaf sports captain Badmus Nurudeen, with participants questioning why para-sports and events for able-bodied athletes remain on the programme while Deaf sports have reportedly been excluded.
Adeyinka Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, met with the protesters and pledged to present their grievances to National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade and Paralympic Committee of Nigeria President Sunday Odebode.
A meeting with representatives of the Deaf sports community was proposed for Thursday, October 22, at 10am, offering an opportunity for officials to address the dispute before the festival begins.
However, the athletes’ concerns extend beyond securing a meeting. They want Deaf sports restored to the festival programme and an explanation for the reported change in status of their events.
Assistant Technical Director of the Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation, Emmanuel Audu, described the exclusion as a recurring setback, saying it was the fourth time Deaf sports had been omitted from the competition.
Audu also highlighted the economic importance of sport to some athletes, explaining that competition can provide opportunities to earn income and support their families.
The dispute has raised questions about equal access to sporting opportunities and the consistency of policies governing disability sports in Nigeria. Stakeholders argue that excluding Deaf athletes while retaining para-sports creates an imbalance that requires urgent clarification.
The National Sports Festival provides a major platform for athletes to represent their states, demonstrate their abilities and attract attention from sports administrators and talent scouts. Missing the competition could therefore affect athletes’ development and opportunities beyond the immediate event.
With the Enugu Games approaching, the proposed meeting presents an opportunity for authorities to clarify the decision and explain whether the programme can be reviewed.
For the protesting athletes, the next measure of progress will not be another promise, but a clear decision on whether they will be allowed to compete.
