The Nigeria Wheelchair Rugby Federation is now a full member of the World Wheelchair Rugby Federation (WWR) following compliance with all statutory requirements of the international body.
The world body confirmed the full Membership approval in a letter signed by Alison Bridge, Head of Administration of the WWR, to the Nigerian Wheelchair Association on December 4, 2024.
The letter states that NWRF received the provisional approval on July 9, 2024, and is subject to confirmation at the next General Assembly of the World Wheelchair Rugby Federation.
In a statement, Fred Edoreh, Secretary of Nigeria Wheelchair Rugby, expressed delight at the approval, saying it was a culmination of about two years of efforts by Suleiman Isah, President of Nigeria Wheelchair Rugby, and members of the board to establish Wheelchair Rugby in Nigeria and meet membership requirements of the international body.
Edoreh commended Isah, also the Secretary General of the Nigeria Paralympic Committee, for his vision to expand opportunities for Para sports in Nigeria and elevate the visibility of Nigeria para-athletes in international sports.
Edoreh highlighted Isah’s track record in developing Para sports in Nigeria, citing his work as former President of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation, where he led the team to the Amputee Football World Cup in 2018 in Mexico, and to the Africa Amputee Football Nations Cup in Angola in 2019.
Furthermore, the approval will open up new opportunities for para-sports in Nigeria. It will provide a platform for Nigerian para-athletes to compete Internationally. Edoreh said, “The sky is now the limit for as many para sports people in Nigeria.”
