The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially confirmed the Super Sand Eagles’ participation in the upcoming CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, marking their return to the continental stage after a challenging absence since 2019.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, the NFF announced the establishment of a new Futsal and Beach Soccer Sub-Committee tasked with ensuring Nigeria’s successful run in both the AFCON qualifiers and the final tournament. This committee, to be inaugurated on Thursday at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja, underscores the country’s renewed commitment to excelling in beach soccer.
President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, will oversee the inauguration of the committee, which will be chaired by Otuekong Nse Essien, with Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf (Fresh) serving as vice-chairman. Other members include Aminu Mohammed Inuwa, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, Hajji Liameed Gafaar, Mr. Richard Jideaka, and Yabagi Alhaji Baba, with Abubakar D. Umar (Barde) appointed as secretary. This committee is responsible for organizing futsal and beach soccer competitions and addressing all related matters, setting the stage for Nigeria’s preparations and participation.
The Super Sand Eagles, Nigeria’s national beach soccer team, last competed in an international tournament at the 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay. The campaign was a tough one, as they exited the tournament without a win, suffering heavy defeats to Brazil (12-2), Portugal (10-1), and Oman (6-5). Despite these setbacks, Nigeria’s beach soccer legacy remains significant, highlighted by their continental triumphs in 2007 and 2009, and a memorable quarter-final appearance at the 2011 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Italy.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently conducted the draw for the 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Nigeria was paired with Mauritania, with a home-and-away format determining which nation will advance to the finals. The first leg will be hosted by Mauritania between July 19th and 21st, with the return leg in Nigeria a week later. A total of 14 countries are set to compete in the qualifiers, and the seven winners will join the host nation, Egypt, in the finals.
Adding to the excitement, the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will be held on African soil for the first time, with Seychelles hosting the tournament. This historic event offers an additional incentive for Nigeria to reassert their status as a beach soccer powerhouse.
With the new committee in place and the qualifiers looming, the Super Sand Eagles are poised to rekindle their winning tradition and make a triumphant return to the continental stage.
