By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4- OCT- 2025

In line with preparations for the upcoming 2025 National Amputee Football Championship, the Imo State South East Amputee Football Team has officially commenced its intensive training camp at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on October 9th, 2025. This development comes as the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF) officially announced the postponement of the National Championship to October 13th–17th, 2025, due to accommodation-related adjustments.

According to a circular dated September 18th, 2025, and signed by Nonye Nwose, Secretary General of NAFF, the event initially slated for October 7th–10th, 2025, has been shifted to October 13th–17th, 2025, with the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, confirmed as the official venue. The memo expressed regret over the change in schedule, apologizing for any inconvenience and assuring stakeholders of a smooth and successful championship.

The circular read in part:

> “I wish to inform you that the above captioned championship earlier scheduled to hold from 7th–10th October 2025 has been shifted to 13th–17th October 2025 due to accommodation issues. The event is now rescheduled as follows: Date: 13th–17th October 2025. Venue: MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Arrival: 13th October 2025. We sincerely apologize for the inconveniences. Thank you for your kind understanding.”

Meanwhile, the Imo State South East Amputee Football Team has wasted no time in intensifying its preparations for the event. Under the banner of Imo’s commitment to inclusive sports, the training camp serves as both a physical conditioning program and a platform for scouting and grooming top amputee players from across the South East region.

The camp, open to all eligible amputee football players from Imo and neighboring states, seeks to identify exceptional talents capable of representing the region at the national stage. The athletes will engage in tactical drills, endurance exercises, and team coordination sessions under the supervision of professional coaches and technical experts.

The training, taking place at the prestigious Dan Anyiam Stadium, has already attracted enthusiasm and morale among participants, who see the program as an opportunity to showcase resilience, passion, and pride for their region. It also reinforces Imo State’s leadership in promoting disability-inclusive sports and community integration.

Stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts and disability rights advocates, have commended the initiative, describing it as a major step toward equality and empowerment through sports. Many noted that the program not only encourages physical fitness and competition but also breaks societal barriers by giving amputee athletes a platform to thrive.

With the National Amputee Football Championship now officially set for October 13th–17th, 2025, and arrival slated for October 13th, the Imo South East Amputee Football Team is poised to make an impressive appearance at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The team’s management has expressed optimism that the dedication and discipline displayed during the Owerri camp will translate into an excellent performance at the national tournament, as they aim to bring glory to Imo State and the entire South East zone.

In conclusion, the establishment of the training camp and the prompt response to the revised competition schedule reflect Imo State’s proactive approach to sports development and inclusion. The program stands as a testament to the belief that disability does not define ability, and through determination, teamwork, and the right support, every athlete can achieve greatness.

Competition Details:
Event: National Amputee Football Championship
Date: October 13–17, 2025
Venue: MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja
Arrival: October 13, 2025
Training Camp Details:
Camp Opening: 9th October 2025
Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Imo State
Eligibility: Amputee players from Imo and the South East region