By Andrew Abah, Abuja
The President of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation, Opukiri Jones Ere, has expressed confidence in the readiness of the Special Eagles for the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico, insisting that the team is adequately prepared to compete against the best nations in the world.
Ere disclosed that the team had been in camp for two months, describing the extended preparation period as a major boost to the players’ understanding, teamwork and confidence ahead of the competition.
He noted that such a lengthy camping programme was unusual in Nigerian football and had helped the players build a strong bond.
”As you know, we have been in camp for the past two months. Not many teams have the opportunity to stay together for two months. We have trained, played together and built a strong relationship. I can tell you for free that this team is in good shape,” Ere said.
He also highlighted the team’s impressive progress in friendly matches against able-bodied players, recalling that the Special Eagles lost their first encounter 4-2, drew the second 2-2 and won their third match 2-0 last Friday.
According to him, the performances demonstrated the team’s attacking creativity and tactical improvement. He added that the squad comprises six professional amputee footballers playing in Turkey, alongside home-based players, giving the team a blend of international and domestic experience.
Ere further commended the support of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and assured Nigerians that the players were determined to overcome every challenge and make the country proud.
“We want Nigerians to know that we have special people representing the country through amputee football. We are not giving up because of our physical conditions. We are going to compete at the World Cup, and our target is to reach the semi-finals or final. We want to make Nigeria proud and return home with our fair share of success,” he stated.
Also speaking, the head coach of the Special Eagles, Gbenga Dosunmu, expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations, describing the two-month camping programme as unprecedented in the history of amputee football in Nigeria.
Dosunmu said the players were motivated and focused on making a strong impression, adding that reaching the semi-finals remained the team’s immediate ambition. Nigeria have been drawn in a group with Turkey, Spain and Egypt for the Mexico 2026 Amputee Football World Cup.
The coach acknowledged the quality of their opponents but expressed confidence in his players’ ability to rise to the challenge.
”We have six players who are professional amputee footballers in Turkey, and I know my players are up to the task. We have not seen Spain play yet, but we are preparing to give our best. We have also played Egypt twice before, but this time around, we are determined to take all three points from them,” Dosunmu said.
