Athletes and officials march in Lagos to challenge the removal of deaf sports from the upcoming Enugu festival.
Deaf sports stakeholders in Lagos State are staging a peaceful protest at the National Stadium, Surulere, to oppose the exclusion of deaf sports from the upcoming National Sports Festival in Enugu. The demonstrations highlight growing tensions over equity in Nigerian athletics, according to information published by punchng.
The affected athletes and officials argue that the decision amounts to blatant discrimination, noting that both deaf and para-athletes live with disabilities and should not be treated differently. The multi-sport event, officially tagged the Coal City Games, is scheduled to take place in Enugu from November 27 to December 11, 2026.
In addition to the Lagos demonstration, the Nigeria Deaf Football Association announced plans for another peaceful protest in Abuja from October 19 to 22. This separate action targets the Presidential Villa and the National Assembly Complex to demand unpaid allowances and registration debts.
National Sports Festival Controversy
Alhaji Suleiman Dagbo, President of the Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation, stated that the National Council on Sports previously approved the inclusion of compulsory deaf sports events during a meeting in May 2024. During the Gateway Games in Abeokuta, 124 deaf athletes from 22 states successfully competed and secured a total of 100 medals.
Dagbo criticized the reversal of this policy during an extraordinary council meeting in Abeokuta, pointing out that the federation was excluded from consultations. He emphasized that excluding established deaf sports while integrating newer para disciplines creates an unfair competitive imbalance for over 300 athletes nationwide.
Unpaid Allowances And Financial Demands
The protests also address severe financial grievances stemming from international competitions. The Nigeria Deaf Football Association stated that the Nigeria Deaf Eagles are still owed allowances and bonuses from the 2023 World Deaf Football Championship held in Malaysia.
Furthermore, outstanding debts owed to the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf for essential registration, accommodation, and feeding remain unsettled. These mounting financial pressures have severely impacted morale and preparation schedules across national teams.
Impact On Athlete Preparation And Training
Former national deaf athletics champion Badmus Nurudeen voiced the frustration of competitors, stating that athletes simply want equal opportunities to let their performances speak for them on the field and table. Technical representatives noted that sudden policy changes severely disrupt training regimes.
Coach Emmanuel Audu explained that uncertainty paralyzes effective training, making it difficult for coaches to plan and state boards to budget properly. Meanwhile, Oyo State Deaf Sports Secretary Segun Oyedeji cited the 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act and threatened a nationwide boycott if authorities fail to reverse the controversial exclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are deaf sports stakeholders protesting in Lagos?
Stakeholders are protesting the exclusion of deaf sports from the upcoming National Sports Festival in Enugu, arguing that treating deaf athletes differently from para-athletes is discriminatory.
When and where is the National Sports Festival taking place?
The festival, tagged the Coal City Games, is scheduled to be held in Enugu from November 27 to December 11, 2026.
What are the demands of the Nigeria Deaf Football Association?
The association is demanding the payment of outstanding allowances and bonuses owed to the Nigeria Deaf Eagles from the 2023 World Deaf Football Championship in Malaysia, alongside unsettled international registration debts.
How many athletes are affected by the National Sports Festival exclusion?
According to federation estimates, over 300 deaf athletes nationwide are directly affected by the sudden policy reversal regarding compulsory events.
