The Nigerian amputee national team, fondly known as the Special Eagles, may have missed out on a medal at the recently concluded Amputee Nations Cup in Egypt, but their achievement of securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Morocco has left them soaring with pride and optimism.
In the hard-fought third-place playoff against Algeria on Monday, the Special Eagles suffered a 3-1 defeat after taking an early lead from the penalty spot. However, their impressive run to the semi-finals, including a gritty 2-1 victory over Liberia in the quarter-finals, was enough to seal one of the coveted World Cup berths on offer.
For the team’s inspirational captain, Sarafadeen Oyeleke, the World Cup qualification overshadows the disappointment of not finishing on the podium in Egypt. “Finishing third would have been another opportunity for us to showcase our talents to Nigerians, but securing the World Cup ticket was the ultimate goal,”
The Special Eagles’ recent exploits mark a remarkable rise in the global pecking order, climbing from their 12th place finish at the previous Nations Cup to a creditable fourth this year. Their sights are now firmly set on the bigger prize – making an impact at the 2026 World Cup in Morocco.
“Our attention now will be on the World Cup, and we must start preparing as soon as possible to represent Africa well,” Oyeleke declared. “It’s also a bigger opportunity for our players to be scouted by agents, which could open professional pathways.”
Nigeria’s only previous appearance at the Amputee World Cup came in 2018 in Mexico, where the team defied daunting financial constraints to make the trip and compete valiantly. Despite losing their opening two group games against giants Brazil and Russia, the Special Eagles bounced back to stun El Salvador 1-0 in their final match.
This time around, the team is determined to arrive in Morocco battle-hardened and primed to surpass their Mexican odyssey. For a nation that has produced some of the most talented able-bodied footballers, the Special Eagles’ journey resonates as an inspiring testament to the indomitable human spirit.
At the just-concluded Nations Cup in Egypt, Ghana emerged as champions after edging hosts Morocco 2-1 in a thrilling final. The Black Challenges’ triumph underscored the growing depth of the African amputee game and set the stage for an enthralling West African rivalry with Nigeria in the coming years.
As the Special Eagles set out on the road to Morocco 2026, they carry the hopes of a nation that has long celebrated its unique flair and passion for ‘the beautiful game.’ With their extraordinary resolve etched into the fabric of Nigerian sports, this band of exceptional athletes is daring to dream big and rewrite their own destinies through the sheer power of the human will.
