Sports

Para soccer : Nigeria have no more challenges with disabilities says Didi

Published

5 years ago

December 2, 2021

The President of Para-Soccer Federation of Nigeria (PFN), Misbahu Didi, on Wednesday in Abuja said Nigeria have no more challenging with the issues of Disabilities after being certified Polio free from by the World governing body.

The president said the purpose of the tournament is to celebrate the day for the disabilities with the rest of the world on Dec. 3.
“The bill has been signed into law now and the commission has been established and the commission headed with person with disability.
” I want to believe we are at the highest and good time in this country now,the sky will not only be our limits.
“We have no limit by the grace oI am using this opportunity to say Mr.president federal republic of Nigeria.,thank you very much,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Para-soccer Federation of Nigeria (PFN) in collaboration with National Commission For Persons with Disability organised the first edition of the Championship.
The championship, is tagged ‘ABUJA 2021’.
The president said due to the love of the sports , the Federation collaborate with the National Commission for Pesons with Disability to organise the maiden edition the championship which started on Tuesday.
He said a today of 10 teams from 10 states are participating in the four days Championship, he added the Federation is expecting more to arrive today.
“We started the competition with two matches on Tuesday., Four matches to be played today and Thursday.
“The semi final matches, third places and final matches will be played to end the championship.
“The competition is peaceful and healthy nobody, the athletes are playing very well and I want to believe it’s going to be a better championship,” he said.
He said the purpose of the tournament is to celebrate the day for the disabilities with the rest of the world on Dec. 3.
“The bill has been signed into law now and the commission has been established and the commission headed with person with disability.
” I want to believe we are at the highest and good time in this country now,the sky will not only be our limits.
“We have no limit by the grace oI am using this opportunity to say Mr.president federal republic of Nigeria.,thank you very much,” he said.
He said the Federation did not organised the 2021 Para-soccer Federation which is annual event due to insufficient funds.
The last day of the competition always falls on the Oct.24 to celebrate Polio day with the rest of the world.
According to him, the Federation did not received any funds from their sponsor Rotary Club International to support the Federation on this year competition.
“We all know that Nigeria have been certified Polio free by the world so there was not funds release to Rotary club , this is the reason why we did not organise the competition this year,” he said.

NAN reports that Dec. 3 is International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the lannual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution.

The 10 teams are : Kano, Zamfara and Ajanaku foundation from Lagos, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kebbi and FCT, Katsina, Sokoto and Kwara team.

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Sports

Nigerian Goalkeeper James Honoured with Spot in Finland’s Team of the Season

Published

17 hours ago

October 27, 2026

The Gleamer

Ibrahim Lawal

Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper Samuel Friday James has earned recognition among the best-performing players in Finland following his impressive displays for SJK Akatemia in the 2026 season.

The 20-year-old shot-stopper ranks second among the league’s selected best-performing XI, with an average rating of 7.61, according to statistics published by Totori News.

James’ performances have stood out despite the challenging campaign faced by his club, with his consistency between the posts making him one of the bright spots in the team.

The former Mavlon FC goalkeeper has recorded four clean sheets in Finland’s Ykkösliiga this season, while his shot-stopping ability has further underlined his growing reputation in European football.

According to available season statistics from FootyStats, James has made 20 league appearances, playing 1,800 minutes. He has conceded 32 goals and made 75 saves from 109 shots faced, giving him a save percentage of approximately 68.8 per cent.

His four clean sheets account for 20 per cent of his league appearances, demonstrating his ability to keep opponents at bay despite the defensive challenges confronting his team.

James has also shown composure and resilience in difficult matches, including his recent international outing for Nigeria against Russia, where he made his senior Super Eagles appearance in the 3-3 friendly draw on October 6.

Standing at 1.95 metres, the young goalkeeper possesses the physical attributes required for the modern game, combining his reach with quick reactions and an increasingly valuable experience of European football.

His rise has been particularly encouraging following his move from Lagos-based Mavlon FC to Finland in 2025. Since then, he has continued to develop through regular competitive football and has attracted attention for his performances.

James’ latest statistical recognition of 7.55 rating in the team of the season adds to his growing profile as Nigeria continues to assess goalkeeping options for the future.

At 20, the goalkeeper will be hoping to build on his progress in Finland and establish himself as a regular contender for the Super Eagles, while continuing to improve his performances at club level.

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