Captain of Nigeria’s Amputee Football National Team, the Special Eagles, Sarafadeen Olalekan Oyeleke, has been elected as the Athletes’ Representative of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF), marking a significant milestone in his leadership journey and reinforcing his commitment to advancing amputee football across the country.
The election represents more than a new title for Oyeleke. It is a continuation of years of dedicated service to the sport, having previously served as the Federation’s North Central Zonal Representative for four years. During that period, he worked closely with athletes, coaches, administrators, and stakeholders, gaining firsthand experience of the challenges and opportunities within amputee football while advocating for greater inclusion and development.
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Reacting to his election, Oyeleke described the opportunity as a privilege to continue serving the athletes and strengthening the future of the sport.
“This journey has never been about positions or titles; it has always been about serving people. Every athlete I have met has strengthened my belief that disability does not define ability. Through unity, commitment, and collaboration, we can continue to inspire hope and create opportunities for more persons living with disabilities through sport.”
As Athletes’ Representative, Oyeleke pledged to amplify the voices of players, champion their welfare, foster unity within the amputee football community, and work closely with the leadership of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation to achieve the Federation’s long-term vision.
He also outlined an ambitious agenda centred on grassroots development, expanding awareness of amputee football, increasing youth and women’s participation, improving capacity building for athletes and technical officials, and creating sustainable pathways for persons living with disabilities to participate in football nationwide.
Oyeleke believes amputee football extends far beyond competition, describing it as a powerful tool for rehabilitation, confidence-building, leadership development, social inclusion, and national unity. According to him, the sport has transformed countless lives by giving individuals living with limb loss an opportunity to rediscover purpose and pursue excellence.
With amputee football already active in several states, the Special Eagles captain expressed optimism that stronger partnerships with government agencies, corporate organisations, development partners, educational institutions, media organisations, and non-governmental organisations would accelerate the sport’s expansion across Nigeria.
He noted that greater investment in disability sports would not only create opportunities for athletes but also promote inclusion and empower more Nigerians living with disabilities.
Oyeleke also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation, the Kwara State Sports Commission, fellow board members, athletes, coaches, mentors, supporters, family, and friends for their unwavering encouragement throughout his leadership journey.
“I am sincerely grateful for the confidence reposed in me. I do not take this responsibility for granted. By the grace of Almighty Allah, I will continue to serve with humility, integrity, accountability, and dedication while working together with the Federation’s leadership and all stakeholders to contribute to the continued growth of amputee football in Nigeria.”
As he begins his new role, Oyeleke remains confident that the future of amputee football in Nigeria is brighter than ever. With a shared vision, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment, he believes the sport can continue to transform lives, inspire hope, and create lasting opportunities for future generations.
Widely respected for his leadership on and off the pitch, Oyeleke has become one of the leading voices for disability inclusion in Nigerian sports. His election is expected to strengthen athlete representation within the Federation while driving initiatives that will elevate amputee football to new heights both nationally and internationally.
