Nov
05
2023
0

NBSA expresses excitement on NFF support for beach soccer

The Nigeria Beach Soccer Association (NBSA) has expressed its delight and happiness after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) pledged to support beach soccer to return to full-steam activities.

It should be noted that the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau on Wednesday stated that the Federation is poised to support the game of beach soccer out of continental and global hiatus.

“Some years ago, we decided to stop taking part in beach soccer at the international level until such a time that we have grown the game locally with a stable league and clubs that have true passion for the game. I believe that we have achieved that now, and it is time that we encourage and support futsal and beach soccer again to return to full action.” Gusau said in a press release by the NFF Communications Department.

According to the Coordinator of the Nigeria  Beach Soccer (NBSL) who is  also CEO of NBSA and doubles as the President of the African Beach Soccer Union (ABSU), Mahmud Hadejia appreciated the NFF board under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and their commitment to growing beach soccer and Futsal.

He further stressed on the need to leverage on the commendable work done by NBSA and the successes recorded in the NBSL to support the growth of the sport going into the fourth season.

The NBSL which started in 2021 has successfully been organised for the past three seasons with Kebbi Beach Soccer Club (BSC) winning two of three titles in 2021 and 2023 while Kada BSC won the 2022 edition.

The league holder, Kebbi BSC is currently the top-ranked beach soccer club in Africa and recently participated at the 2023 World Winners Cup in Alghero, Italy with a Round of 16 placement for Africa’s sole representative.

The next FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after Dubai 2024 will be hosted by Seychelles, an African country in 2025, an opportunity that should not be missed by Nigeria.

Hadejia said that the position of NFF is a welcome development and deserves all the commendation.

“Though the sport is fast growing at the African level, the World still recognises the role Nigeria is playing in developing beach soccer so resuming active continental and international participation at this critical time after the work done locally will only boost the sport further and return Nigeria to its rightful position.” He concludes.