To mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the National Association of Nigerian Visually Impaired Students (NANVIS), UNILAG Chapter, hosted a vibrant sports fiesta at the University of Lagos Sports Center. Powered proudly by Alternative Bank and Sterling Bank, the event brought together students with diverse disabilities to compete, connect, and celebrate their abilities in all their forms.
I attended as a member of the Sterling Embrace Team, and from the moment I arrived, the energy was unmistakable — loud cheers, confident athletes, and a community ready to shine.
For me, the highlight was the blind football match because it always fascinates people who have never seen how we play.
How do blind people play football?
This is one of the questions we hear the most, so here’s how it works:
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The match is played on a five-aside pitch with four blind players and a sighted goalkeeper.
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The goalkeeper, who has partial sight, helps guide players throughout the game.
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Each half lasts 20 minutes.
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The ball is a special jingle ball — imagine a regular football with shakers inside. Players rely on sound to track movement, pass accurately, and locate teammates.
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Communication is constant. Teammates call one another’s names to stay coordinated and safe.
Watching the players move with speed and precision is a reminder that disability does not mean inability — it simply means we do things differently.
Who won the football match?
The match ended 4–4, leading to a penalty shootout.
The Vocational Training Center, Oshodi team defeated the NANVIS UNILAG team 2–1, and the crowd enjoyed every moment.
Beyond football, the fiesta featured a mix of engaging competitions, including track races for students with various disabilities. Each activity showcased the talent, resilience, and sportsmanship of the participants.
Speaking with NANVIS President, Victor Ajani
After the games, I spoke with the NANVIS President, Victor Ajani, to understand the inspiration behind the event.
“When we were planning this event, we were thinking of who to write to,” he explained.
“We decided on Sterling HoldCo because of what Sterling does with persons with disabilities through the Sterling Embrace Program.”
He shared that once contact was made, both
Alternative Bank and Sterling Bank
were very supportive. Their financial backing helped cover key event costs. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to Sterling HoldCo for their commitment to promoting disability inclusion.
Guests in Attendance
Notable attendees included:
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Maria Akinsanya — DEI Officer, Sterling Bank
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Donatus Okpako — Chief Marketing Officer, Sterling Bank
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Coach Oluwo Babatunde — University of Lagos School Team Coach
The event was anchored by the lively Seun Ajidagba, alongside several other distinguished guests.
As the program wrapped up, what stayed with me was the pride on the faces of the participants.
Being there as part of the Sterling Embrace Team reinforced something I’ve always believed:
inclusion is not charity — it is about creating opportunities for everyone to show what they can do.
And on that day, the students showed skill, resilience, and a powerful sense of unity.
