President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has reiterated the federation’s commitment to revitalizing beach soccer in Nigeria through stronger collaboration with stakeholders and the Africa Beach Soccer League.
Speaking during a meeting with officials of the Beach Soccer body at the NFF headquarters, Gusau acknowledged the growth of the league in recent years and emphasized the need to sustain the momentum.
“When you started about six years ago, we monitored the process to understand what was going on,” Gusau said. “Once we saw the level of commitment and professionalism, we felt it was important for the federation to come in and work together to revive beach soccer in Nigeria.”
Gusau noted that Nigeria was once a powerhouse in beach soccer but admitted that the sport suffered setbacks over the years due to the absence of a structured league system. According to him, the introduction of the league provides the necessary environment for players to develop consistently rather than being assembled only for tournaments.
“You cannot just gather players for a competition without creating an enabling environment for them to practice what they love,” he explained. “With this league, even though it has not reached the level we desire, collaboration will help us take it there and advance beach soccer in Nigeria and Africa.”
The NFF President also assured organizers of the federation’s willingness to support the Super Sand Eagles, particularly in preparation for upcoming international engagements. However, he said the federation was still awaiting confirmation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the schedule for national qualifiers and the continental tournament. “We are not very clear yet about when the qualifiers will commence, but we are expecting correspondence from CAF,” Gusau said. “Nevertheless, we will do our best to support the team’s preparation, including the planned international friendly in Ghana.”
Earlier, Mahmud Hadejia, Africa Beach Soccer Union President and National Coordinator Nigeria Beach Soccer League, revealed that the meeting with the NFF leadership was aimed at updating the federation on preparations for the sixth edition of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League. He described the competition as one of the most recognized on the continent.
“Across Africa, people follow the Nigerian league and we are adjudged to have the best beach soccer league on the continent,” Hadejia said. “But if you carry such a tag, it means you must keep improving.”
Hadejia disclosed that Kebbi State will host the opening round from March 19 to 22, coinciding with the Salah celebrations, a development he believes will attract massive fan participation.
Seven teams have confirmed their participation, including Kebbi Fishers, Bam Project BSC, Kada, defending champions Anambra, Ibom, and Niger. “Kebbi has always been a fantastic host and we expect large crowds to come out and enjoy the beach soccer festivities,” he said, adding that matches will be live-streamed on the Beach Soccer Nigeria Facebook platform for fans across Africa.
The league will continue with Round Two in Kaduna from April 10 to 12 before a short break to allow the Super Sand Eagles camp ahead of an invitational tournament in Ghana, while the final round is scheduled for May 29 to 31.
Meanwhile, Barde Abubakar, Secretary of the Nigeria Beach Soccer Committee, emphasized the strong working relationship between the federation, the league coordinators, and the committee.
“There is synergy between us and the federation,” Abubakar stated. “Whatever the President approves, the committee will implement, and we also want the Super Sand Eagles coach to attend these competitions to scout players and strengthen the national team.”
