Former Nigerian International, Amaechi Nwanze, has called on his colleagues to embrace waka football to sustain their spirit with the game and for health living.
Nwanze, who played for top clubs in the country including Stationery Stores, Kano Pillars, Julius Berger, Iwuanyanwu National and Sharks, said every ex-international passionately loves the beautiful game, and that was primarily the reason they played the game to the top levels.
“Many still desires to enjoy the game, but cannot play because of old age. But the introduction of waka football has provided former footballers and lovers of the game the opportunity to enjoy the game, playing.
The former player of Mauritius league champions, Cuprit Starlight FC, who emerged top scorer and MVP of the Waka Football League Season 2, said, Walking Football has made the game enjoyable and easier for players 50 years and above.
“It is fun. You play your normal game as you walk with the ball.”
Defending champions, First Waka A FC retained the league title with 22 points after beating arch rivals, First Waka B team in an entertaining final match at the Eagle Club pitch in Lagos.
Managers FC came second with 15 points, while First Waka B finished third. FFC and Apapa Ajegunle SA ended the season with four points each.
The Fair play trophy was won by Apapa Ajegunle SA. The award is the right point of rewards for a key tenet of Walking Football which emphasises discipline and sportsmanship.
Captain of First Waka B, Michael Fidelis, who commended his teammates for working hard to retain the trophy, said that though his team won the title without losing a game, it was a tougher season in comparison to the previous year.
” We won because of the experience of our team members. It was not on a platter because we played tougher games than last season. The season was tough as every team have improved,” he said.
A former member of Nigeria Football Federation, Emmanuel Ibru, commended the improved quality of the games during the season, saying, Waka football is very safe and entertaining.
“At this age, it is not good to sustain injury. Walking football is non- contact variant of the game. You are not allowed to play the ball above the shoulders, head the ball, kick from behind or sides. The rules make it safe to play. Because of that, we encourage people who are still active to join waka football, ” said Ibru, whose team, First Waka A won the league title.
