NFF President Affirms Commitment to Reviving Beach Soccer Team
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has declared the federation’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing the Beach Soccer National Team, known as the Supersand Eagles.
This commitment was reiterated during the inauguration of the Federation’s Futsal and Beach Soccer Sub-Committee at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday.
Alhaji Gusau emphasized Nigeria’s stature in football and expressed concern over the absence of the country from certain football activities that other African nations actively participate in.
He pledged comprehensive support to ensure that futsal and beach soccer receive equitable attention alongside other national teams.
“Nigeria is a big footballing nation, and it will be inappropriate if we continue to stay out of some activities that other African countries are involved in, football-wise. We will do whatever is necessary to restore Nigeria’s presence in futsal and beach soccer,” said Alhaji Gusau.
The Supersand Eagles have previously brought glory to Nigeria, notably winning the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in 2007 and 2009, securing several silver and bronze medals in subsequent editions.
They have also represented Africa in numerous FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals in Ravenna, Italy, in 2011.
However, Nigeria withdrew the team from international competitions five years ago following significant losses at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay.
The newly inaugurated Futsal and Beach Soccer Sub-Committee is chaired by Otuekong Nse Essien, a member of the NFF Executive Committee, with Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf (Fresh), Chairman of Chairmen, serving as vice-chairman.
Other members include Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, Mr. Richard Jideaka, Alhaji Aminu Mohammed Inuwa, Hajji Liameed Gafaar, and Yabagi Alhaji Baba. The committee secretary is Abubakar D. Umar Barde.
