By Okwudili Awam
Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles face Ghana’s Black Sharks for a place at the 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON in Senegal. The first leg is October 10 in Kaduna; the return leg is in Accra a week later. Only the winner qualifies.
Nigeria is a two-time African champion (2007, 2009) and reached the 2011 World Cup quarter-finals. After missing the 2024 AFCON on away goals to Mauritania, this tie is a chance at redemption. The NFF has arranged friendlies against Senegal, but the team still needs full backing from the NFF and the National Sports Commission.
The domestic game is built on sacrifice. The Nigeria Beach Soccer League continues to grow, but it survives largely through individuals like Mahmud Hadejia and Prof. Victor Madubuko, not sustained government or corporate funding. That is not sustainable.
Under former NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, beach soccer gained momentum, including a Beach Soccer and Futsal Committee and pledges of support. The new leadership must continue that investment: fund the league, develop players and support the national team.
Kaduna State deserves praise for hosting the Sand Eagles’ 23-day camp at Murtala Muhammed Square and backing the first leg. Other states should follow.
The Sand Eagles are ready to fight for Nigeria. The NFF and NSC must fund preparations, sustain the league and treat beach soccer as a serious part of Nigerian sport. The time for half-measures is over.
