Passion Drives Amputee Footballers – NNnanna Nwakpa

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria international, Nnanna Nwakpa says the passion for the game is what drives the Nigeria Amputee Footballers also known as the Special Eagles despite lack of funds as they prepare for the Amputee Football Africa Cup Of Nations (AAFCON).

The Special Eagles are set to take part in the 2024 Amputee Football Africa Cup Of Nations (AAFCON) in Cairo.

Nnanna said the love of the game as being the burning fire that’s pushing the players.

He described football as the only thing that gave them the second chance to life and how he lost his limb four years ago but football gave him hopes on not giving up on life.

“One thing we the player have in common is the love of football and we have our stories including those who got amputated as a result of injury,” he said.

“What keeps the players together is the love of football, it’s like a second chance to life.

“I lost my limb four years ago and football has given me hope and so many of us have been part of the game. We have people like John Michael who got injured while playing football and he’s back playing football and this is the chance for him to represent his country globally.

“I couldn’t make it to the team that went to the last nations cup in Tazania because I was trying to get my balance but I went back to work on myself and worked my way to the team.

“Most of the players are playing for passion and the game is what we are there for.

“We have left the financial aspect for the management to handle. We are here to fight for the shirt.”

Nigeria have won three bronze medals and one silver at the AAFCON since inception.