Following a press conference held in Kaduna city, ahead of the final round of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League 2021 season. The Nigeria Beach Soccer Association and Kaduna State Government have assured participants and fans of an exciting final.
Speaking during the press briefing to herald the finals which kick off Thursday 29th of May at the Murtala Square, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Mahmoud Yamusa, said he is excited about the tournament, which he describes as a dream hosting by the state.
He said: “When I first heard that we would be hosting the finals of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League event, I was super excited because it is an opportunity to show the world that Kaduna State is peaceful and hospitable despite negative reports being circulated.
“I really appreciate the Nigeria Beach Soccer Association for choosing us in spite of several options at their disposal. I initially had mixed feelings that we would not be able to pull this off because of the massive work we are doing at Murtala Square, but I’m happy to let everyone know that all is set and we are good to go.”
“I want to assure all our visitors of a wonderful time during this competition and also of your safety. And with the massive work ongoing at the Murtala Square, our collaboration with the Beach Soccer Association, we want to appeal to the organisers to make sure they bring the competition back to Kaduna next year.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Coordinator of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League, Mr Mahmoud Hadejia, who welcomed participating teams to the maiden Super Four, noted that all teams at this final round are already winners regardless of who wins the Super Four because it wasn’t an easy task qualifying from the first, second, third and now final round of the League which began in Lagos last April.
“I’m so excited that we are here to witness the climax of the maiden Nigeria Beach Soccer League. All participating teams are already winners because it wasn’t an easy task making it to this level so I congratulate you all.
“Particularly, I want to appreciate the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for endorsing the Beach Soccer League. By the grace of God, this is going to be an annual program. I also want to thank the Board of the Nigeria Beach Soccer Association led by Hon. Yahaya Sulieman Kwande for their continued commitment and support.
“and we must deeply appreciate the Kaduna State government for the provision of a standard Beach Soccer Stadium, a first in the country, and making sure the facility is ready for this final event. We will put our best foot forward in ensuring a successful Super Four, in collaboration with the host Sports Ministry.” Mahmoud said.
In his remark, the Chief Host, Engr Nimrod Musa, the Chairman of Kada Beach Soccer said that Kaduna is a very peaceful state that has hosted lots of events without issues.
According to him, “We have hosted the President’s Cup without any hitch and we have over a hundred volleyball athletes and the state is peaceful. Our Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has done so much work at the Murtala Square and by the time it is fully completed, it would be the best single multi-sports facility in Nigeria.
“I, therefore, encourage you to have a good time. Our slogan is unity in motion because we are all united as winners.
The high point of the press conference was the presentation of the branded beach soccer balls which was presented by Mr. Taye Olajide the Board Secretary of the Association and the eventual ceremonial first kick of the new ball by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Mahmoud Yamusa.
There was also a refresher seminar for players on the rules of fair play of Beach Soccer and general team behaviour throughout the tournament.
Match schedules
Day1 – 29th Thursday
M37: Kebbi BSC vs. Smart City BSC
M38: Kada BSC vs. Kwara BSC
Day2 – 30th Friday
M39: Kwara BSC vs. Kebbi BSC
M40: Kada BSC vs. Smart City BSC
Day3 – 31st Saturday
M41: Kwara BSC vs. Smart City BSC
M42: Kada BSC vs. Kebbi BSC
All matches shall be live on NFFtv facebook and beachsoccer.ng
