Kebbi BSC Wins League Finals as Beach Soccer Returns

With the Nigeria Football Federation NFF approving the return of the Beach Soccer National Team, the Supersand Eagles, to international competition, the Nigeria Beach Soccer League held an impressive Super 4 National Finals over three days in Kaduna. The event concluded on Saturday at the Murtala Muhammed Square in Kaduna, showcasing the sport’s resurgence.

Kebbi Beach Soccer Club BSC demonstrated their dominance by winning their third title in the three year old event. Although they lost 2-3 on penalties to Kada Stars of Kaduna, Kebbi BSC secured the championship with six points, earning the N600,000 winner’s prize. Anambra Warriors finished second, taking home N400,000, while Kebbi United secured third place with N300,000. Kada Stars ended in fourth place, earning N200,000.

Kebbi BSC, two time participants in the Beach Soccer Worldwide Winners Cup, also boasted the tournament’s MVP, Hassan Abdullahi. Kebbi United’s Sadiq Umar emerged as the highest goalscorer with 17 goals, and Umar Aliyu was named the Rising Star. Festus Bashorun of Anambra Warriors was awarded the best goalkeeper, and Kada Stars won the Fair Play trophy.

The finals were attended by notable figures in the beach soccer community, including Kaduna State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Professor Benjamin Kumai Gugong, and various NFF officials.

The NFF praised the organizing team led by Mahmoud Hadejia, President of the African Beach Soccer Association, for their efforts in revitalizing the sport following the withdrawal of the Supersand Eagles from international competitions after poor results at the 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

The focus now shifts to the Supersand Eagles’ preparations for the 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mauritania, with the first leg in Nouakchott on July 20 and the return leg in Nigeria a week later.

Editorial

The triumphant return of beach soccer in Nigeria, marked by the Super 4 National Finals, signifies a rejuvenation of the sport, bringing excitement and anticipation for future competitions. We believe that the success of the event in Kaduna showcases the growing popularity and potential of beach soccer in Nigeria.

Kebbi BSC’s continued dominance in the league highlights the team’s consistent excellence and dedication. Winning their third title in as many years is a remarkable achievement, underscoring their position as leaders in Nigerian beach soccer. The individual accolades awarded to Kebbi BSC players, including MVP Hassan Abdullahi and top scorer Sadiq Umar, further reflect the high level of talent within the team.

The support from high profile attendees and the commendation from the NFF emphasize the importance of organizational backing in the sport’s development. The efforts of Mahmoud Hadejia and his team in reviving beach soccer demonstrate the potential for growth and success when there is strategic and passionate leadership.

As the Supersand Eagles prepare for the 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, there is renewed hope and enthusiasm for Nigeria’s prospects on the international stage. The lessons learned from past setbacks have paved the way for a more focused and determined approach, aiming to restore Nigeria’s status in global beach soccer.

The vibrant finals and the return of the Supersand Eagles highlight a new chapter for beach soccer in Nigeria. The combination of competitive spirit, organizational support, and community engagement sets the stage for a bright future in the sport.

Did You Know?

• Kebbi Beach Soccer Club BSC has won the Nigeria Beach Soccer League title three times in the three year history of the event.
• The tournament’s MVP, Hassan Abdullahi, plays for Kebbi BSC.
• Kebbi United’s Sadiq Umar was the highest goalscorer of the tournament with 17 goals.
• The Super 4 National Finals took place at Murtala Muhammed Square in Kaduna.
• The Supersand Eagles will compete in the 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mauritania, with the first leg scheduled for July 20, 2024.