OIFN Donate Crutches To Nigeria’s Amputee Football Team

Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Nigeria recently donated some sets of crutches to the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation.

According to the founder of OIFN, who are holding their annual ‘Wheelchairs and Walking Aids’ outreach in the country, the federation made contact and requested for the support of the foundation, for the donation of crutches to support the amputee football team known as the ‘Special Eagles’.

As a result OIFN through its founder Tarela Aghanti took a decision to support the amputee team, in line with the vision and mission of the foundation to support youths and people with disabilities.

Tarela Aghanti(2nd right) with the OIFN Team and members of the Special Eagles and Federation officials.

In her words Aghanti said:”They contacted us for support for crutches, and since they are youths with disability and were in dire need of it, we decided to support them with the crutches”.

“When we were contacted by a member of the team, we saw it as a huge opportunity to bless these wonderful people and support them for the great job they are doing representing this great nation”.

Aghanti used the occasion to thank OIFN partners and sponsors, OIF Network, Souter Charitable Trust and Bethany community Church, Harpenden UK, for their support in making the donation possible.

In his response the captain of the amputee football team, Sarafadeen Oyeleke, said the team is presently preparing for the qualifier game for the 7th edition of the African Amputee Football Nations Cup.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Amputee Football National Team, the Special Eagles, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of pairs of crutches to twenty amputee players, both male and female. Your timely gesture has provided essential support that is invaluable to our team.

The significance of these crutches cannot be overstated. They are not merely tools for mobility, they are fundamental to our ability to participate in amputee football. Without them, our mobility and performance would be severely compromised. Your donation has eased our movement both on and off the field, enhancing our performance and allowing us to compete at our best”.

Oyeleke concluded by saying:”As the captain of the Special Eagles, I want to express our sincere appreciation to the organizers of OIFN who made this possible. Your generosity will undoubtedly motivate and inspire our team as we prepare for the African Amputee Nations Cup in Egypt.

With your support, we are confident in our ability to represent our country with pride and determination”.

The presentation event took place on the Wednesday 27th March, 2024 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. With OIFN donating 24 crutches to the Nigeria Amputee Football team, on the 6th day of OIF Nigeria’s outreach in Lagos State, Nigeria.