Ghana, Togo, Senegal, 7 Others Set For West Africa Deaf Championships in Nigeria

Ghana, Togo, Senegal, 7 Others Set For West Africa Deaf Championships in Nigeria 

By Admin 

Preparations are in full swing for the 13th West Africa Deaf Football Tournament and the 3rd West Africa Deaf Athletics Championships, both scheduled to take place from August 18 to 30 at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The President of the West Africa Deaf Sports Union (WADSU), Amuda Yusuf, confirmed during a media briefing in Lagos that 32 teams from across the region have confirmed their participation. The tournament, he said, will serve as a qualification platform for major international competitions, including the Deaflympics, All Africa Deaf Games, and the Confederation of Africa Deaf Football Championship.

Yusuf emphasized the significance of the competition in promoting integration, inclusion, and recognition for deaf athletes across West Africa. “This tournament is not just about sports; it is about empowering deaf athletes, integrating them into mainstream sporting events such as the National Sports Festival and school competitions, and providing them with the opportunity to earn a living and gain recognition,” he said.

He extended appreciation to the National Sports Commission for granting access to the stadium facilities and acknowledged the support of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) through financial grants. However, he appealed for additional sponsorship and financial backing, citing the limited resources available to WADSU in organizing the event.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Ige-Jenyo Olawale, noted that Nigeria, the reigning champion in both football and athletics, is aiming to defend its titles on home soil. He revealed that athletes would be accommodated at the Package B complex of the stadium, and Nigeria is expected to field the largest contingent.

Twelve countries from the sub-region have confirmed participation, including Ghana, Togo, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. While Ghana will compete in the athletics championship, it will not field a team in the football competition.

This marks the fourth time Nigeria will host the West Africa Deaf Football Tournament, reaffirming its central role in promoting deaf sports development in the region.