The captain of Nmanko Patigi Beach Soccer Club (BSC), Ogunlana Seun believes the Kwara State-based side can upstage Kebbi BSC at the top of the 2023 Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL).
The 2021 champions, Kebbi BSC hold a four-point lead over Nmanko Patigi BSC heading into the final phase of the league which is a title-deciding phase in Kebbi state.
The host team is the only side yet to taste defeat this season and Ogunlana is confident his team’s preparation will help them in good stead to win the league title.
“Nmanko Patigi BSC is preparing very wonderfully well because we know the task we have ahead,” Ogunlana told beachsoccer.ng
“We are doing our best in training and even off the pitch we have been watching our diets to be in shape for the final phase of the season in Kebbi.
“I am sure the preparation is a top one and of good quality which would give us good results in Kebbi.”
With four games to spare, Nmanko Patigi BSC has its destiny in their own hands which is to win all remaining four games and clinch its first league title.
Meanwhile, Kebbi BSC and holders Kada BSC alongside debutant, Kebbi United BSC stand in their way.
“We are four points behind Kebbi BSC.” He added. “I still think my team can win the league. If we don’t think we can win, we won’t want to participate. For the fact that we want to participate, it shows we believe we can win. We are not just going there to participate.
“Obviously I will say Kebbi BSC would be the toughest opponents for us. They are at the top and have good quality to be honest, but they are not unbeatable in my opinion. We can still change fortunes and challenge them in winning the league.
“The development of beach soccer in Nigeria has been a great one though it is slow. We hope the Government and NFF including the private sector will give more attention to beach soccer which will attract investors and more fans. There should be a lot of publications about beach soccer so that a lot of people would be aware when a tournament is being played and the venue so that more people will come in to watch the game.” He concluded.
The final phase of the 2023 NBSL is slated to take place from August 17 to 20 in Kebbi State.
