Bina Foundation for People with Special Needs is a not-for-profit Organization based in Enugu – Nigeria. It has, since its inception in 2010, been working for improved personal development, economic empowerment, social inclusion and human rights of people with special needs in Nigeria.
The foundation has four major Intervention Centres through which it has continued to positively touch the lives of persons with special needs. These are (1) Free medical services (2) the Skills Acquisition Training Centre, (3) the Resource and Recreational Centre for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and (4) the Blind Sports and Blind Football Training Academy.
BLIND FOOTBALL is an adapted game of football played by the blind and visually impaired young men and women in various parts of the world. It became an official sport of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) in 1996. Blind Football is an internationally recognized sport played at the Paralympics by blind and partially vision impaired athletes on a 40m x 20m pitch with side kick-boards and an audible ball
A team is made up of five players – four outfield players and a goalkeeper. The outfield players wear eye-shades to equal their sight and the goalkeeper can be fully or partially sighted. This unique sport has finally come to stay in Nigeria.
The establishment of modern Blind Football in Nigeria by Bina Foundation since 2017 turns out to be a new beginning and welcome development for all blind and visually impaired men, women, youth and children to participate in football like their counterparts in other countries.
THE OBJECTIVES OF BINA FOUNDATION BLIND FOOTBALL PROJECT:
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”131″ gal_title=”Objective of Blind Football”]a)Promoting social integration and economic empowerment through blind football and increasing playing opportunities for footballers of all abilities.
to foster friendship among blind athletes;
to motivate and get as many blind people as possible involved in sporting activities on a regular basis;
b) Changing the society’s negative stereotyping concerning the abilities of disabled individuals especially the blind. Combating stereotypes and stigmas is achieved by educating the public through various media avenues as well as encouraging the athletes to enter schools and community organizations to directly address disability issues.
c) Promoting and developing blind football for men, women, and children in Nigeria.
d) Establishing blind football coaching centers to train coaches and referees for Blind Football in the country
e) To encourage sporting talents among the blind and visually impaired to come forward to get recognized nationally and internationally.to foster friendship among blind athletes;
to motivate and get as many blind people as possible involved in sporting activities on a regular basis;
f) To affiliate with the Paralympic Committee Nigeria and Para Athletic federation of Nigeria who is mandated to handle some blind sports in the country.
g) To affiliate with relevant international organizations including the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) to represent Nigeria for Blind Football at the world stage
h) To establish blind football in special schools for the blind across the country.
i] To establish junior teams across the country to ensure the sustainability of the sport
j) To encourage blind football competitions in schools and colleges.
k) To encourage local and national blind football competitions to foster friendship among blind athletes;
to motivate and get as many blind people as possible involved in sporting activities on a regular basis;
BINA FOUNDATION MANUFACTURES ITS OWN BLIND FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT AND TRAINS ITS COACHES, REFEREES, GUIDES, GOALKEEPERS ETC.
As a special game, Blind Football has its own different rules and regulations, sound balls, rebound kickboards, playing field dimensions, blindfolds, goalposts, nets, etc which are based on IBSA standards.
This posed an initial challenge which was eventually overcome. The foundation quickly embarked on the local manufacturing of its own aluminium rebound kick boards, sound balls, eye shades, mobile goalposts, Jerseys,T-Shirts, Training Bibs, etc,for use in the academy. Coaches, Referees, guides, goalkeepers and other staff required to run the academy were also trained.
Blind football in Bina Foundation therefore took off without any foreign input or resources
INAUGURATION OF BINA FOUNDATION BLIND FOOTBALL PROJECT IN NIGERIA
In line with its strategic policy towards developing and promoting Blind Football in Nigeria, and in accordance with (IBSA) standard procedures, rules, and regulations, Bina Foundation inaugurated the first-ever Blind Football Project in Nigeria at the Union Secondary School, Enugu, on Wednesday, 12th April 2017. The inauguration ceremony served as an official introduction of modern Blind Football in Nigeria, as most people who did not know that the blind could play football became aware of a special type of football game.
The Archbishop of Enugu Province and Bishop of Enugu Diocese Anglican Communion, His Grace Dr. E. O Chukwuma performed the official kick-off ceremony. The Pioneer blind football players were drawn from various states of Nigeria.
“Bina foundation has shown how we can come together as one humanity to build a better future for the blind through football” ………lady Ifeoma Atuegwu (2017), President/Founder Bina foundation official statement at the event.
The inauguration ceremony was concluded with a Novelty Blind Football match which was hotly contested between two Bina Blind Football teams.
BINA FOUNDATION ESTABLISHES NATIONAL BLIND FOOTBALL ACADEMY
Bina Foundation aims at becoming a mainstream provider of blind football training facility in the country; providing orientation, intensive training, tactical skills building according to the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA rules); resources and all-round support.
The Foundation therefore established a well-equipped and fully-staffed National Blind Football Academy in Enugu – Nigeria. The Academy provides for camping and professional training for developing the best players to form the male and female national blind football teams of outstanding standard. It also has free boarding and lodging facilities, with blind football pitch that situates in a serene environment.
The Academy is equipped with all the necessary facilities, including sound balls, mobile goalposts and nets, kick-boards, jerseys, blindfolds, boots, football pitch, sick bay, various indoor leisure activities such as music, board games like scrabble, chess, snake & ladder, ludo, monopoly and card games, experienced coaches, referees, guides, counselors, para sports administrators, and other staff trained in braille, orientation and mobility, free transportation.
The foundation has access to three other different football fields in Enugu,— the Nnamdi Azikiwe Sports Stadium, Rangers International FC Training Pitch, Union Secondary School, football Pitch, Enugu,
BINA FOUNDATION COMMENCES SUMMER CAMP AND TRAINING IN BLIND FOOTBALL
From 7th August to 17th September 2017 the first summer blind football camp and training in Nigeria commenced at the Foundation’s National Blind Football Academy, Enugu – Nigeria. In all, a total of 120 visually challenged men from various parts of the country participated in the events.
The occasion offered the participants the long desired ample opportunities to rediscover themselves. They developed a new type of supportive friendship, built confidence and self-esteem. They had fun and entertainment that had previously eluded them. The summer camp and training was a life-changing experience.
BINA FOUNDATION ESTABLISHES WOMEN’S BLIND FOOTBALL IN NIGERIA IN PREPARATION FOR WOMEN’S NATIONAL BLIND FOOTBALL TEAM
Bina Foundation is not gender biased but rooted in inclusive programmes for the wellbeing of both sexes. In order to create equal opportunities to women with vision loss, the Foundation introduced the first ever Women’s Blind Football on 21st August 2017 with 30 players drawn from various parts of the country. The establishment of women blind football serves as a campaign against gender inequality, marginalization or discrimination.
The aim of establishing the women’s blind football in Nigeria was also to lay a solid foundation for the training of women blind footballers to form the women’s national blind football team that will represent the country in international blind football tournaments.
Bina Foundation has projected Nigeria as the first country to establish Women’s Blind Football team in Africa and the third in the world.
WOMEN BLIND FOOTBALL SUMMER CAMP
Soon after the men’s blind football summer camp, and training were completed, the female blind footballers commenced their summer camping, and training. A total of 30 female blind footballers with their guides from various parts of the country participated
So far, more than 150 interested men and women blind and visually impaired footballers have successfully passed through our academy from 2017 to 2018. Training, coaching clinics and workshops, and summer camping activities are continuous exercise and policy of the Academy.
In addition to regular psychological and emotional counselling services offered to the athletes throughout the camping period by the Foundation’s social workers, Chaplain, regular medical checkups and treatment were also carried out on the campers by the foundation’s medical unit.
Players were accommodated and fed in the foundation’s blind football academy. Free transportation and medical services were also provided
FORMATION OF SEVEN BLIND FOOTBALL CLUBS IN NIGERIA
To promote blind football league competitions among the men and women blind footballers from various states of the federation, Bina Foundation encouraged the establishment of five blind football clubs and two women’s blind football clubs. These clubs have been technically and financially sustained by Bina Foundation.
THE 2nd EDITION OF BLIND FOOTBALL SUMMER CAMP, TRAINING AND LEAGUE TOURNAMENTS 2018
The 2nd edition of the Foundation’s Men and Women Summer Camp and Blind Football Training activities including the tournaments for 2018 lasted from 12th August to 15th September 2018.
The entire activities provided the 85 young men and the 30 young women the opportunity to experience football and enjoy a variety of benefits of sports.
Five men’s and two women’s blind football teams from various parts of the federation participated in the 2018 Summer Camp, training and league tournaments.
These are as follows;
- Lions Blind Football Club from Enugu State
- All Stars Blind Football Club from Anambra State
- Stallion Blind Football Club from Imo State
- Tigers Blind Football Club from Abia State
- Golden Boys Blind Football Club from Ebonyi State
- Sunshine Ladies Blind Football Club from Enugu State
- Diamond Ladies Blind Football Club from Anambra State
At the end of the league tournaments the Lions Blind Football Club from Enugu State lifted the Trophy, while the other teams went home with prizes. Amazingly, out of 10 matches played during the tournaments, eleven (11) breathtaking goals were scored, three (3) of which came from penalty spots and eight (8) goals were scored from outside the penalty box. The league recorded a total of six (6) wins, four (4) draws and six (6) losses.
The two women’s blind football clubs also competed in the league which saw the Diamond Ladies Football Club of Anambra State lifting the trophy.
Reception, orientation and medical checkups were carried out on their arrivals, This was followed by training sessions, other camp activities and the league tournaments.
The summer camp and league tournaments was closed on Saturday, 15th September 2018 with award of trophy, gifts and an all night party.
NATIONAL EVENTS: NATIONAL BLIND FOOTBALL TRIALS FOR THE FORMATION OF THE NATIONAL TEAM THE STAR EAGLES
Intensive camping and training for the selected players have continued in preparation for international matches.
It is heartwarming that one of our aims in developing blind football in Nigeria, which is to pave the way for the formation of National Blind Football team, has been actualized. This dream came to fruition at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Sports Stadium, Enugu, Nigeria, during a five -day (15th – 20th February 2019) national blind football trials jointly conducted by Bina foundation and its affiliate,the Para-athletic Federation of Nigeria.
The best place to host the trials was in Enugu because Bina Foundation has the only well-equipped and functional blind football academy in the country. The transparent and hotly contested trials drew 95 blind and visually impaired footballers and dozens of sports enthusiasts from all over the country.
As part of the selection process, blind football matches were played by different groups. At the end of the exercise the Nigeria National team the Star Eagles Blind Football Team of Nigeria (for men) and the Star Falcons Team (for women) were born.
Now that the National team has been inaugurated, it behooves on all lovers of sports, including the state and federal governments, patriotic and wealthy individuals, and philanthropists to sustain the blossoming STAR EAGLES BLIND FOOTBALL OF NIGERIA to take its enviable position in Africa and the world.
Japan Blind Football Association (JBFA), Tokyo, Japan, officially invited Bina Foundation to the IBSA Women’s Blind Football Camp and Games 2019
In recognition of the efforts of Bina Foundation in developing and promoting Blind Football in Nigeria, the Japan Blind Football Association (JBFA), Tokyo, Japan, extended an official invitation to Bina Foundation Female Blind Footballers to participate in the IBSA Women’s Blind Football Camp and Games 2019, which took place from 20th to 25th February 2019. The event was partly sponsored by, Bina Foundation, the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) and the Japan Blind Football Association (JBFA).
Bina Foundation immensely appreciates this, as our invited female footballers will obviously utilize the unique opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge and also experience the thrills of international events. This is a wonderful development aimed at motivating more and more blind and visually impaired women in Nigeria to embrace blind football.
The Japan trip will serve as the first international women blind football experience for Nigeria.
STAR FALCONS TRAIN FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE 2019 WOMEN’S BLIND FOOTBALL CAMP/GAMES IN JAPAN
From the beginning of the year 2019, the Star Falcons of Nigeria returned to camp at the National Blind Football Academy for intensive training in preparation for participation in the IBSA Women’s Blind Football Camp and Games scheduled which took place from 20th to 25th February 2019 in Japan.
BINA FOUNDATION SPONSORS AFRICA WOMEN BLIND FOOTBALL CAMP AND GAMES NIGERIA 2019
In order to create good enough awareness in women blind football in Africa, Bina Foundation sponsored and hosted the Africa Women Blind Football Camp and Games 2019. The events took place at Bina Foundation National Blind Football Blind Academy and Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria participated.
With this, Bina Foundation opened the corridor in Africa for women to participate in blind football, creating links of communication and friendship across the borders of African countries.
The Foundation’s programme for the event was loaded with activities, including lectures on IBSA rules and regulations for Blind Football and coaching clinic. Mr. Toussaint Akpweh, the IBSA African Representative and Special Adviser (Development) offered the training in conjunction with the Foundation’s trained coaches.
At the end of the camp and training, there was a match on 13th April 2019 between the NIgerian star Falcons and the Team Africa at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. Team Nigeria beat Team Africa by 2-0.
YOUTH/CHILDREN BLIND FOOTBALL PROJECT
As part of the strategic policy to develop blind football in Nigeria, Bina Foundation embarked on the Blind Football National Awareness Programme for Youth/ Children in special schools for the Blind in Nigeria.
The programme is not only aimed at inculcating in the blind school children the need to embrace football as a veritable tool, but also to produce well trained younger players that would replace the aging ones at the national level. We want to ensure that no blind and visually impaired person in any part of Nigeria, irrespective of religion, tribe, age and sex is denied the opportunity to participate and reap the enormous rewards of football. Our desire is to catch them young and see them grow.
As at 8th July 2019, Bina Foundation has succeeded in formally inaugurating/introducing Blind Football in eight schools in six (6) states of the Federation. On each occasion, coaches,are given in-school coaching clinic and donations of equipment, including sound balls, eyeshades, made to the schools for sustenance and continuity of the programme. The exercise, which is programmed in phases, will continue until most special schools for the blind in the country have had their fair dividends of the foundation’s reintegration magnanimity.
Despite the 120 men and 30 women that have already been trained in Bina Foundation National Blind Football Academy, a total of 300 pupils and students made up of male and female youths and children in various special schools for the blind have been registered and they are receiving training
The swiftness in the tempo at which Bina Foundation has continued to introduce and inaugurate Blind Football in various special schools for the blind in the country must be sustained so that within a very short time, no blind or visually impaired man, woman, boy, girl or youth interested in playing blind football in Nigeria will be left behind.
BINA FOUNDATION DEMONSTRATES BLIND FOOTBALL IN ANAMBRA STATE
The commercial city of Onitsha in Anambra State was the Cynosure as the National Men Blind Football Team, the Star Eagles of Nigeria, played a novelty match as part of activities lined up by the Youth Wing of the Anambra Blind Students’ Union on Saturday, 5th October 2019.
The event was powered by Bina Foundation for People with Special Needs, the pioneers of Modern Blind Football in Nigeria. The crucial novelty match was played at the main field of the prestigious Christ the King College, Onitsha. Thousands of awestruck spectators trooped out to witness the first ever organized modern blind football match in the Commercial City of Onitsha.
The match saw Team Anambra defeating Team Enugu with a lone goal. The blind football match was part of Bina Foundation’s institutional support for all-inclusive development of Blind Football in Nigeria and Africa.
BINA FOUNDATION SUCCESSFULLY HOSTED 2019 IBSA BLIND FOOTBALL AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIP IN ENUGU, NIGERIA.
Bina Foundation for people with special needs achieved a great milestone in 2019 when it successfully hosted 2019 IBSA Blind Football African Championship in Enugu-Nigeria. It was first of its kind in the African most populous Nation, Nigeria. The Championship which lasted from 22nd November – 1st December, 2019 served as a qualifier for the 2020 Paralympic in Tokyo Japan. Eight African countries of Morocco, Mali, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Niger and Libya participated.
The kick-off was performed by the Enugu State Governor,His Excellency Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi on the 25th of November, 2019 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. The first game between Nigeria and Cameroon, saw Nigeria defeating Cameroon by two goals to one.
The championship recorded sixty-two (62) goals in fifteen (15) matches and showcased outstanding performances from players of various Countries in attendance. The championship attracted great International Technical Officials (ITOs)/Referees and lovers of Blind Football globally to Nigeria during the period.
The Countries of Mali and Morocco made it to the finals with Morocco defeating Mali to carry home the coveted 2019 IBSA Blind Football African Championship Trophy and to represent the Continent Africa at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic games. Ivory Coast occupied third place position while Nigeria came fourth.
The 2019 IBSA Blind Football African Championship witnessed lots of other side attractions during the match free day. The Championship was rounded up with a colorful dinner party organized by Bina Foundation at the Foundation’s National Blind Football Academy, Enugu Nigeria.
BINA FOUNDATION SUCCESSFULLY HOSTED 2021 IBF BLIND FOOTBALL NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES CHALLENGE SERIES IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA.
Residents of Enugu State and beyond were thrilled by the magic of Blind Football Challenge Series hosted/Co-sponsored by Bina Foundation Nigeria at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. The International Blind football event lasted from the 8th-11th July, 2021 between the Nigeria and Ghana national blind football teams.
Both men and Women National Blind Football teams from the two neighboring West African Countries had equal opportunity to display their Blind Football skills and prowess at the event.
On Match day 1, Nigeria Men Blind Football team were held to a goalless draw by the Ghana Men team while the Women team handed down 5 unanswered goals to Ghana Women team
The Hon. Commissioner for Sports, Enugu State-Nigeria performed the kickoff. Hon. Commissioner was accompanied by other dignitaries at the event.
On Match Day 2 Ghana and Nigeria Women teams started off at the scheduled time. The Nigeria Women team who dominated the match, no doubt, showed that they are on top of the game by beating Ghana Women team 4 goals to nil..
Ghana and Nigeria Men match followed immediately after the Women match. The Men’s match again ended goalless. Both teams truly understand the game and showcased great resilience, determination and mastery of the game.
The International Neighboring Countries Challenge Series was aimed at bringing Blind Football activities back in various selected Countries and beyond following COVID-19 pandemic global disruption. Nigeria and Ghana are the only countries that featured both Men and Women national teams for the International Neighboring Countries Challenge Series NCCS.
Bina Foundation gifted Ghana players parting sound balls,eye shades, and designer bags in a bid to sustain the blind football activities back in their country.
The International Neighboring Countries Challenge Series NCCS was brought together by the International Blind Football Foundation IBF with support from the Santen grant programme and hosted/Co-sponsored by Bina Foundation-Nigeria.
OFFICIAL RECOGNITION OF BINA FOUNDATION AS IBSA COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE IN BLIND SPORTS AND BLIND FOOTBALL
The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has approved that Bina Foundation should become an Affiliate Member of IBSA.
Based on this official approval by the Government of Nigeria, the responsible committee of the IBSA has officially appointed Bina Foundation for People with Special Needs as the IBSA Country Blind Football Representative.
Bina Foundation is also an affiliate member of Para-athletic Federation of Nigeria and Nigeria Paralympic committee
Bina Foundation also wishes to appreciate some national and international organizations for recognition and the global commendation of our efforts in taking blind football to greater heights. These notable bodies, include the Paralympic Committee Nigeria (PCN); the International Blind Football Federation (IBSA); the IBSA African Blind Football Network; the IBSA Women Blind Football Network; and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on the exciting Evolution of Blind Football in Nigeria spearheaded by Bina Foundation
For more information, please check out the following links:
https://www.ibsasport.org/news/1323/blind-football-in-africa-goes-from-strength-to-strength
https://www.paralympic.org/news?category=nigeria&pag=2
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1019028114916081&id=329103270575239
http://www.ibsasport.org/news/1622/nigeriars-first-blind-football-tournament-held-in-enugu
https://www.facebook.com/groups/127228854570782/?source_id=329103270575239