SOME amputee footballers known as Special Eagles have denounced the poor state of welfare in their preparations, ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Mexico from Oct. 24 to Nov. 5.

The News agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 15 footballers, two coaches and a physician were in closed camp at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos in preparation for the global football competition.

Austin Ugwu, a striker with the team, told NAN on Tuesday that the general preparations were not as adequate as it should have been for a major tournament.

Ugwu said that they did not have the opportunity to participate in major buildup programmes such as friendly matches and training tours needed to boost their preparations.

“This is a tournament that we have always looked forward to and now that the opportunity is here, we expect the sports authority to make our preparations memorable,’’ he said.

Kelvin Kingsley, a midfielder said their feeding ought to have been centralised to enable them to have balanced diet that would enable them to stay fit.

Kingsley added that instead of the daily allowances given to them for their feeding, they would have preferred to have a dietician on ground to supervise their daily feeding.

“It is not proper for a national team in camp preparing for a World Cup to be eating or drinking what they like because some may have adverse effect,’’ he said.

William Monday told NAN that he was happy that their participation in the forthcoming World Cup was a dream come through, as it would be their first outing in the Mundial.

Monday told NAN that in spite of the challenges encountered, the team had remained focused and eager to fly the nation’s flag creditably in Mexico.

“The good story about our challenges is that we are going to feature in the World Cup for the first time, it’s a big one for us.

“Most of us in the team have featured in previous Nation’s Cup, which provided a good platform to gain exposure, and the experience will help us a great deal,’’ he added.

Meanwhile, Victor Nwenwe, the national coach of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF), said that the footballers had lived up to expectations in their preparation for the World Cup.

Nwenwe said that the training sessions in the camp had helped them to fine-tune their preparations which enabled the team to bond properly.

“The activities of the footballers in training toward this tournament has been so wonderful, they have also exhibited the passion needed to make their outing a memorable one,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) organised World Cup match fixtures have Nigeria drawn in Group E with Brazil, defending champions Russia and El Salvador.

The Special Eagles of Nigeria are expected to depart the country on Wednesday for the tournament and the team will play their first match against Brazil on Oct. 28.

-NAN