Nigeria’s special sports soccer team, Amputee Eagles have received a $68,000 boost on the internet, as footballlive.ng gathered that a UK-based former member of the team, Michael Ishiguzo has launched a campaign to raise money for the squad online.
Ishiguzo, who was a regular footballer with Stationery Stores FC of Lagos, before a nasty injury resulted in one of his legs being amputated over ten years ago, said the team need enough funding to compete at the forthcoming Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
Ishiguzo recalled that the Amputee Eagles missed the last three editions in 2010, 2012 and 2014 due to a lack of money.
The amiable former regular soccer star, who now plays for Arsenal of England’s amputee team, said he is aware of the Eagles’ plight, hence his decision to set up an online appeal to raise money for the team.
He expatiated that the project, tagged on GoFundMe, hopes to raise $68,000 to help the Eagles participate at Mexico 2018.
He said the money would help the squad augment their plans for funds to cover flight tickets, daily upkeep and other logistics whilst attending the global event, which kicks off on October 24.
Ishiguzo said: “These guys have worked so hard and several times they have missed going to the World Cup because it appears the government, the corporate community don’t care about them.
“I feel their pains. They have no support whatsoever. They contribute their own funds to keep the sport, the team and their dream alive while also working hard to fend for themselves and their families.
“Going to the World Cup is a big deal for them because it will bring them to the global place where there are opportunities like I have.”
