Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to inclusiveness in Nigerian sports, stressing that every sport is valuable under its leadership.
He made this statement on Tuesday while receiving the Nigerian Deaf Eagles at the NSC Headquarters in Abuja following their triumph at the 13th West African Deaf Football Championship.
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Nigeria defeated Gambia 5-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time to secure their sixth title.
The championship, hosted at the National Stadium, Abuja, featured several ECOWAS nations including Niger, Togo, Benin, Liberia, Gambia, and Ivory Coast.
Mallam Dikko congratulated the team and announced that a uniform reward system for Nigerian athletes is being developed, pending final approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I was impressed by your performance in the final. Some fans even suggested that a few of you could play for the Super Eagles. Once the new policy is approved, you will enjoy the same presidential recognition as other athletes,” he assured.
The NSC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s “every sport is important” policy, pledging continued support for all disciplines.
He also encouraged the players to look beyond their physical limitations, confirming that plans are in motion to support Nigeria’s participation at the upcoming Deaflympics in Japan.
He further promised to resolve outstanding issues from the team’s participation in the Malaysia tournament and to include provisions for deaf and para sports in next year’s budget.
Earlier, President of the Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation, Suleiman Dagbo Saka, thanked the NSC Chairman for his leadership and open-door policy, describing him as a “true father” to Nigerian athletes.
The Nigerian Deaf Eagles are currently ranked 11th in both the Deaflympics and the Deaf World Cup.
