The 400 level visually impaired students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)) have won their opponents in 200 levels, 1:0 in its first awareness football match.
The match titled, “First Awareness Match” held on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 5 Aside pitch, close to ICT Centre, UNN. The event began exactly 5:19 p.m in the evening as against 4pm stated in the fliers, due to hesitancy of other students to leave the pitch in time.
The two levels had an equal number of four players each to represent them, with two goal keepers who were not visually impaired and a sighted referee.
While the players were warming up, the spectators who came to watch the match wondered among themselves, how they were going to play. However, it was later figured out that the ball had rattles inside which made sound, thereby enabling the players follow the direction of the ball through the sound.
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Godwin Emmanuel a final year student in the department of history and international studies during the first half, scored the first goal. Unfortunately, during the second half at exactly 5:44pm, Chukuwudi Eluu, one of the players sustained an injury on his leg and had to be substituted with Izuchukwu Okpalanze.
Commenting on the game during the first half break, Amos Ayodele, a 400level student of linguistics told Vickipedia News that the match has been fairly played and they have not gone all out to play because of the expansion of the pitch. He noted that the pitch was not the size they used in training, but hope to bring out the best in his players by the second half.
By end of the match at 6:06pm, the 400 level visually impaired students won against their opponent, beating them to 1-0.
Notwithstanding, the 200level students had goal chances but missed it thrice. Talking to Vickipedia News, Godwin Emmanuel who scored the only goal for the 400 level students said, ” It has been a long time we have been training, I expected more but I am still optimistic.”
Also discussing with Babatunde a 200 level student in the department of mass communication, he said “The match was okay, I enjoyed the match but I am not just okay with the officiating of the match.”
One of the visually impaired students from mass communication Manifest Eja, told our reporter that, visually impaired persons do not only study but also play football. He further said, “I feel impressed and happy because it is a message we are sending out to people, even though we expected a large turnout. I know the message will still get out there and we are looking forward to more games from now on.”
