22nd May, 2013
Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles will this evening at the Mazagan Beach Resort, El Jadida, Morocco confront Libya in their first Group B match of the African Beach Soccer tourney, which kicks off today.
The team would return to action again tomorrow, when they trade tackles with Egypt before confronting Cote d’Ivoire on Friday.
Speaking on the readiness of the Nigerian team for the tournament, Head Coach, Audu Adamu expressed confidence in the ability of his men to reach the last four and also qualify for the World Cup in Tahiti later this year.
“It’s a good draw for us; our target is to first reach the semifinals and then the final which will mean qualifying for the World Cup. Qualifying for the World Cup is always our priority right now,” Adamu stated.
Corroborating the stand and belief of Adamu is Abu Azeez, who was the top scorer at last year’s Copa Lagos Beach tourney. He said that the team are raring to go. “We arrived safely in Morocco and we’re really set for the stiff challenges ahead.
“The team know what is at stake and we are going to ensure that we do our best to make the nation proud, by not only do well in Morocco, but qualify for the world championship in Tahiti,” Azeez said.
Nigeria are a powerhouse in beach soccer on the continent, and have represented Africa at the world stage on numerous occasions.
The team are packed with beach soccer stars that include team captain and Dolphins FC midfielder, Isiaka Olawale, Ogbonnaya Okemmiri and top scorer Victor Tale.
Meanwhile, former Super Eagles defender turned clergyman, Taribo West is upbeat that the Sand Eagles would do well at the tourney based on the level of their exposure at last year’s Copa Lagos Beach competition, saying “I expect them to win and qualify for the World Cup given their exposure in Copa Lagos. I think they have what it takes, they are an incredible team, and I believe their handlers know what to do to keep them at the top.
“If they maintain their form from what I saw in Copa Lagos, I think they will be unbeatable; they are incredibly good”.
The two finalists will qualify for the FIFA Beach Soccer World, taking place in Tahiti between 18 to 28 September later this year. Group A comprise of Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Madagascar, while countries in Group B are Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Libya, Egypt.
—Adebobola Alawode