By Aderonke Ojo
The 2025 Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL) Super Finals came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, as Anambra beach soccer Warriors emerging champions and their first national title in Abuja .
With Anambra beach soccer Warriors after edging out defending champions Kebbi Fishers BSC 4-3 on penalties following a 1–1 draw in regulation time.
The match was played at the Jabi Lake Park, saw the grand finale, which marked the fifth season of the NBSL and second year under the supervision of the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF).
This attracted top football dignitaries, including NFF President Ibrahim Gusau , Director of Communications Dr. Olajire Ademola , and former Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen , among others.
In his remarks with pressmen in Abuja,President of the Nigeria Football Federation, ( NFF) Ibrahim Gusau praised all participating teams for their sportsmanship and unwavering dedication to the sport.
“This year’s league has been a remarkable display of exceptional talent and competitive spirit, underscoring the growth of beach soccer in Nigeria.
“ We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors on their historic triumph and encourage all the other teams to continue striving for excellence going forward,” he said.
Rt. Hon. Nse Essien , chairman of the NBSL, commended the NFF for its ongoing efforts to develop and professionalize beach soccer in the country.
“I think these coaches are well trained. Nobody becomes a national team coach of Nigeria without the necessary qualifications.
“ However, like in life, learning never stops. It’s important that our coaches continue to pursue further training.
“ I am aware that the NFF’s technical committee has plans in place to ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge in beach soccer,” he said.
Essien also praised the NFF for successfully taking over the organisation of the league, describing it as a “major step forward” for the sport in Nigeria.
“ This is the first time we are hosting the Super Finals in Abuja, but it’s the fifth season overall. The NFF has shown great leadership since taking over the league last year.
“ The national team coach has seen many promising new talents that can strengthen the Super Sand Eagles,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of developing beach soccer from the grassroots not only in schools but also in local communities.
“Beach soccer can be played barefoot, on the streets, anywhere. There’s so much undiscovered talent out there.
“ FIFA has also started promoting the female side of the game, and this year we had an exhibition match by female teams. Gradually, we will get there,” he said.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future in the sport, declaring his ambition to see Nigeria qualify for and eventually win the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
On his part, NBSL President, Mahmoud Hadejia, thanked the sponsors, media and the NFF for their unwavering support in staging what he described as one of the best-organized beach soccer events in Africa.
“It’s been a long time coming for Abuja. Within just two weeks, we managed to pull off this event.
“ I must commend the NFF board and our sponsors for making it possible.
“This is the best-run beach soccer league in Africa and one of the fastest-growing in the world,” he said.
He congratulated Anambra beach soccer warriors for their victory and noted that the league has become a platform for discovering and nurturing young talents.
“When we started this season in March, we had several young players, many from Kebbi, Kaduna, and Anambra. The blend of youth and experience shows that the future of Nigerian beach soccer is bright,” he added.
He revealed that while the 2025 season has officially concluded, plans are already underway to expand the sport’s reach through local tournaments across the country.
“We are taking beach soccer to states and universities. In fact, after this, we will head to Jos for a demonstration at the NUGA Games.
“ The goal is to make beach soccer part of the National Sports Festival ( NSF) and talks are ongoing with the sports commission to make that happen,” he said.
The events also featured an All-Star charity match between beach soccer All Stars and Abuja Football All Stars, which ended 1–0 in favor of the Abuja team.
Meanwhile, Kebbi Fishers BSC remains the most decorated team in league history with three titles. In addition to the championship, several individual accolades were awarded:
Highest Goal Scorer: Frank Dozie (Kada BSC) – 14 goals
Best Goalkeeper: Segun Basorun (Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors)
Rising Star: Uwana Aniete (Ibom BSC)
Most Valuable Player: Stanley Ekwo (Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors)
This year’s league highlighted exceptional talent and competitive spirit, reflecting the growth of beach soccer in Nigeria.