In a major milestone for Nigerian amputee football, three players have secured professional contracts with top Turkish clubs, marking a new era of growth and opportunities for the sport.
The players who made the move are:
- Abba Musa – Gebze Gucu Engelliler Spor Kulübü
- Olaogun Bolaji David – Gebze Gucu Engelliler Spor Kulübü
- Friday Habu – Sakarya Bedensel Engelliler Spor Kulübü
They join a growing list of Nigerian amputee footballers excelling in Turkey, including Nwachukwu Izuchukwu, Issah Yusuf, and Umaru Grema Muhammed.
This achievement is credited to the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation NAFF, led by Ambassador Paul Maduakor, who has been actively working to develop the sport and create international opportunities for players.
Growing Pathways for Amputee Footballers
Technical Director Coach Victor Nnewne emphasized that these transfers empower players financially and contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s national amputee football team, the Special Eagles. He noted that professional experience played a key role in the team’s fourth-place finish at the last Amputee Nations Cup, which secured qualification for the 2025 Amputee World Cup.
The federation is working toward launching a National Amputee Football League in Nigeria to ensure consistent player development.
Captain Oyeleke Applauds Turkish Opportunities.
Nigeria’s amputee football captain, Sarafadeen Olalekan Oyeleke, who made history as the first Nigerian to play in Turkey in 2015, welcomed this growing wave of transfers.
"This was our dream to open doors for more Nigerian players in professional amputee football. Seeing this happen proves that our efforts, alongside the vision of Ambassador Paul Maduakor, are paying off," Oyeleke stated.
With more Nigerian amputee footballers now competing professionally, the sport’s future looks promising, and NAFF is determined to continue providing international opportunities for emerging talents.
Editorial
The transfer of three more Nigerian amputee footballers to Turkey is a game-changer for the sport in Nigeria. It signifies growing international recognition, proving that with proper investment and exposure, amputee footballers can build professional careers just like their able-bodied counterparts.
The Nigeria Amputee Football Federation deserves credit for its commitment to developing the sport. By pushing for better domestic structures including the proposed National Amputee Football League they can ensure a steady pipeline of talent while strengthening Nigeria’s Special Eagles for international competitions.
If this trend continues, Nigerian amputee football could soon rival the dominance of countries like Turkey, England, and Poland, where the sport is more established. More sponsorships, investment, and awareness campaigns will be crucial in sustaining this momentum.
Did You Know?
- Turkey is one of the leading countries in amputee football, with well funded professional leagues and a strong national team.
- Nigeria’s Special Eagles finished fourth at the last Amputee Nations Cup, securing a spot in the 2025 Amputee World Cup.
- Sarafadeen Olalekan Oyeleke was the first Nigerian to play professional amputee football in Turkey and helped his club gain promotion in 2018.
- Bamgbopa Abayomi Alabi plays in Poland, while Michael Ishiguzo represents Chelsea Amputee FC in England, showing that Nigerian amputee footballers are now recognized globally.
- The Nigeria Amputee Football Federation NAFF is working on launching a domestic league, which would keep local players active and competitive.
