Abuja, Nigeria – In a heartfelt show of support for Nigeria's para-athletes, Honourable Salisu Sabo, leader of the Salisiyya Movement, pledged unwavering advocacy for the Deaf Super Eagles while calling on the Federal Government to prioritize the welfare and development of persons with disabilities across the nation.

The appeal came during Sabo's recent visit to the triumphant team, in Abuja, just days after their record sixth victory at the West African Deaf Football Championship.

The Deaf Super Eagles, Nigeria's national deaf football team, dominated the regional tournament held in Accra, Ghana, earlier this month, showcasing exceptional skill and resilience to secure the title.

Competing against powerhouses like Ghana and Senegal, the squad netted a series of convincing wins, culminating in a 3-1 final victory that etched their name deeper into the annals of African para-sports.

Captained by the inspirational forward Ahmed Yusuf, who scored twice in the decider, the team not only defended their crown but also highlighted the untapped potential in Nigeria's disability sports ecosystem.

Hon. Sabo, a prominent advocate for social inclusion through his Salisiyya Movement—a grassroots initiative focused on youth empowerment and community welfare—praised the players' achievement as a beacon of hope.

"The Deaf Super Eagles have proven that with the right support, our brothers and sisters with disabilities can conquer any field," Sabo declared during the visit, where he presented motivational tokens and jerseys to the squad.

"Yet, their success is bittersweet amid the neglect they face. The Federal Government must invest more in facilities, training, and funding to ensure persons with disabilities aren't sidelined in our national development agenda."

Sabo's plea resonates amid ongoing discussions in Nigerian sports circles about equitable resource allocation.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has faced criticism for prioritizing able-bodied programs, with para-sports often relying on private sponsorships and international aid.

The Deaf Super Eagles' coach, Emmanuel Okon, echoed the sentiment, noting that inadequate stipends and substandard training grounds nearly derailed their championship preparations.

"We're champions on the pitch, but off it, we struggle for basics," Okon said, adding "Hon. Sabo's visit and pledge mean the world—it's a step toward real change."

The Salisiyya Movement, known for its advocacy in northern Nigeria, has broadened its scope to national issues, including disability rights.

Sabo's commitment includes lobbying for policy reforms, such as integrating disability quotas in sports budgets and establishing dedicated para-sports academies.

This aligns with global calls, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Nigeria ratified in 2007.

As the Deaf Super Eagles gear up for potential continental and international qualifiers, Sabo's advocacy could spark momentum.

Teammates, beaming with pride, vowed to keep pushing boundaries.

"Inclusion isn't charity; it's justice," Yusuf affirmed.

With voices like Sabo's amplifying their cause, Nigeria's para-athletes may soon see the support needed to soar even higher.