Nigerian Beach Soccer Leadership Visits NFF President Ahead of Abuja Finals

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

As anticipation builds for the Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL) Super Finals scheduled for November 6–9 in Abuja, the league’s leadership, led by National Coordinator Mahmud Hadejia, paid a strategic courtesy visit to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Tuesday.

The visit highlighted ongoing collaboration aimed at strengthening the structure of beach soccer in Nigeria and restoring the nation’s pride on the continental and global stage.

During the meeting, Hadejia expressed profound appreciation to the NFF for reviving the Super Sand Eagles after several years away from international ction.

“First, I want to commend the NFF on behalf of the Nigeria Beach Soccer family for ensuring that the Super Sand Eagles came back alive last year after years of absence as promised — and we even made a mark upon our return,” he said, acknowledging Nigeria’s improved competitive outlook.

He noted that the successes recorded in recent years were directly tied to the NFF’s renewed interest in the sport and the platform provided by the Nigerian Beach Soccer League.

“Five years down the line, you have been a strong backbone to our progress. Today, we are celebrating the journey together and the result of your support has helped us to build a solid beach soccer culture and foundation for the country. Beach Soccer is now played in more states with increasing interest than ever before” Hadeija added.

In his remarks, the NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau praised the dedication of the beach soccer community, acknowledging that their persistence compelled urgent action towards restoring Nigeria’s presence on the world stage.

“I know I go through a lot of pressure from you guys,” he joked warmly.

“But thank God — Africa now knows that Nigeria is back, alive, and capable of competing again.”

He stressed that a strong domestic league remains the foundation for scouting and developing elite talent.

“We no longer have to wait until tournaments come before we start selecting players from 11-a-side football to represent us in beach soccer,” he said.

“There must be a structure, and the league you have built over the last four to five years is exactly what we need to sustain global competitiveness.”

He reaffirmed the NFF’s unwavering support for the 2025 NBSL Super Finals, describing the event as the true showcase of the best of Nigeria’s Premier Beach Soccer.