The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has declared open 2026 amputee football boot camp.
AbdulRazaq also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive sports development.
The governor said the state would continue to prioritise programmes that empower persons with disabilities and promote grassroots talent development through sports.
According to a statement issued in Ilorin on Saturday by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mustapha Olayiwola, AbdulRazaq stressed the need for sustained institutional and stakeholder support for amputee football.
He noted that improved facilities and access to modern equipment would enhance athletes’ performance and visibility on national and international platforms.
The government recognises the enormous potential in amputee sports and will continue to support initiatives that promote inclusion, excellence and global competitiveness,” the governor said.
He added that collaboration among sports administrators, coaches, the private sector and the media was critical to sustaining the growth of amputee football in the state.
Earlier, the Director of Football at the Sports Commission, Mr Bello Ola, expressed delight over the organisation of the boot camp, describing it as a major step towards the structured development of amputee football in Kwara State.
According to him, grassroots talent identification remains the backbone of sports development, adding that the boot camp was designed to discover, nurture and properly develop young amputee footballers for future competitions.
Speaking on athlete conditioning, a fitness expert and ambassador coach, Akorede Monsuru, emphasised the importance of sport-specific fitness, stressing that training should go beyond conventional gym routines.
“Fitness is not limited to the gym. Athletes must be consistent and disciplined in their training, while coaches should engage professional fitness instructors to achieve the best results,” he said.
On his part, the Amputee Football Ambassador, Mr Yahaya Olatunji, highlighted the role of celebrity influence and social media advocacy in promoting inclusive sports.
He said strategic use of social media and increased local competitions would help amplify amputee football and attract global attention to Kwara State.
The Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter, Mr Ismail Ayodeji, represented by Mr Michael Odetunde, said the media remained a vital partner in the growth of amputee football.
He noted that there must be closer collaboration between coaches and journalists, including the use of local languages, to deepen public engagement and expand coverage of amputee football activities.
In his remarks, the Head Coach, Mr Gbenga Dosumu, expressed appreciation for the recognition accorded him by the Amputee Football Association, pledging continued commitment to the development of the sport.
“Passion and genuine interest are essential ingredients for success in amputee football, and I remain fully committed to supporting the athletes,” Dosumu said.
Also speaking, the National Team Captain and advocate of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation, Dr Sarafadeen Olalekan Oyeleke, commended the Kwara State Sports Commission for its consistent support.
He explained that the boot camp was structured to develop junior and youth amputee football players, with the aim of grooming them for local, national and international competitions.
The 2026 Amputee Football Boot Camp is part of the state’s broader strategy to institutionalise inclusive sports programmes and create sustainable pathways for athletes with disabilities.
