Awka Catholic Priests Win JONAPWD Football Friendly on World Disability Day

Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka

Awka Diocesan Priests Tuesday defeated the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) 2-1 in a novelty football match to commemorate the 2025 World Disability Day promoted by the United Nations since 1992.

The Diocesan Team took the lead in the second half of the match when substitute John Miracle agonizingly kicked the ball into his own net. Diocesan Goalkeeper, Fr Paschal Omaga, then scored a goal to double the lead and put his team in a commanding position.

However, JONAPWD’s diminutive player, Emmanuel Okoye, who earlier missed a penalty for his side, scored a late screamer to bring the tie to a tense finish, reducing the deficit to a single goal.

The match, played at St Mary’s High School Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State, was a celebration of inclusivity and disability awareness, with participants including thousands of the High School students and other spectators commending the efforts to promote inclusivity through sports.

Earlier in his welcome address, JONAPWD Anambra State Chairman, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, said the match was a way of showcasing solidarity, celebrating ability, and an affirmation of the dignity of every human person. 

“We come together in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated globally with the theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”

“This theme invites all of us to reflect on how far we have come in building inclusive communities—and how much further we must go. It challenges us to remove barriers, embrace diversity, and create a society where every individual, regardless of disability, can participate fully and equally.

“This is why today’s match is so symbolic. It demonstrates that disability is not inability, and that with the right support, understanding, and opportunities, persons with disabilities can excel, inspire, and contribute meaningfully to society.

“Today as we watch our priests and the Blind Football Team play side by side, we witness the beauty of inclusion. We see what happens when we break barriers and open doors. We see community, brotherhood, and shared humanity.

“Let this match remind us that an inclusive society is not built in speeches alone, but in actions, decisions, and attitudes. Let it inspire our parishes, communities, institutions, and government to work hand in hand to advance social progress for all.”

Okeke urged the church to uphold the sacred responsibility of being at the forefront of promoting access, inclusion, and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. He also urged religious institutions to continue to speak for PWDs, stand with them, and amplify their voices at all times.

During her presentation on “Understanding Inclusion in the Church: Guided by the Anambra State Disability Rights Law (2018)”, JONAPWD Public Relations Officer, Comrade Chidimma Ajemba, reminded that disability is not a curse or limitation, but a natural part of human diversity.

Ajemba, who took the participants through the key provisions of the disability law, highlighted that the Church must ensure that no one is excluded from worship, ministry, sacraments, or leadership roles because of disability.

“Persons with disabilities should be encouraged to serve as ushers, choir members, readers, committee members, or leaders. 

“The Church must create opportunities for everyone to use their gifts. Active participation builds a sense of belonging and helps break stigma.

“Inclusion begins with a mindset that every person is equal before God. Discriminatory attitudes or harmful beliefs—such as associating disability with curses—must be rejected,” she said.

Sharing his experience after the match, Captain of the Awka Catholic Diocesan Priests, Rev Fr Remigius Obasi, said the Blind Football Team exhibited resilience, courage, skill and talent beyond what he imagined.

“We are not used to this kind of match. They scored one goal and could have won against us that trains all time. Playing blindly takes a lot of mental calculations and with that I imagined somebody being blind for life. 

“PWDs deserve to be celebrated, should be given a voice and equal opportunities at all times,” he concluded.