By Aderonke Ojo
As anticipation builds for the Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL) Super Finals scheduled for November 6–9 in Abuja, the league’s leadership, led by National Coordinator Mahmud Hadejia, paid a strategic courtesy visit to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Tuesday.
The visit highlighted ongoing collaboration aimed at strengthening the structure of beach soccer in Nigeria and restoring the nation’s pride on the continental and global stage.
During the meeting, Hadejia expressed profound appreciation to the NFF for reviving the Super Sand Eagles after several years away from international action.
“First, I want to commend the NFF on behalf of the Nigeria Beach Soccer family for ensuring that the Super Sand Eagles came back alive last year after years of absence as promised — and we even made a mark upon our return,” he said, acknowledging Nigeria’s improved competitive outlook.
He noted that the successes recorded in recent years were directly tied to the NFF’s renewed interest in the sport and the platform provided by the Nigerian Beach Soccer League.
“Five years down the line, you have been a strong backbone to our progress. Today, we are celebrating the journey together and the result of your support has helped us to build a solid beach soccer culture and foundation for the country. Beach Soccer is now played in more states with increasing interest than ever before” Hadeija added.
In his remarks, the NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau praised the dedication of the beach soccer community, acknowledging that their persistence compelled urgent action towards restoring Nigeria’s presence on the world stage.
“I know I go through a lot of pressure from you guys,” he joked warmly.
“But thank God — Africa now knows that Nigeria is back, alive, and capable of competing again.”
He stressed that a strong domestic league remains the foundation for scouting and developing elite talent.
“We no longer have to wait until tournaments come before we start selecting players from 11-a-side football to represent us in beach soccer,” he said.
“There must be a structure, and the league you have built over the last four to five years is exactly what we need to sustain global competitiveness.”
He reaffirmed the NFF’s unwavering support for the 2025 NBSL Super Finals, describing the event as the true showcase of the best of Nigeria’s Premier Beach Soccer.
The NFF President extended a strong appeal to partners, stakeholders, and football lovers to embrace the unique excitement that beach soccer brings.
“Football is broader than what we see in the traditional stadium. Beach soccer is fast, exciting, thrilling, and already a major continental and global sport,” he emphasized.
“We want Nigeria competing at the highest level — from the Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup — and we cannot achieve that without strong support from corporate organizations and passionate citizens.”
He encouraged Nigerians to attend the Abuja Super Finals to support the players, promising a spectacle that would convert first-timers into loyal fans.
“For many who don’t know the game, once you see it live, you’ll be blown away by the intensity and fun. We will ensure everyone necessary is mobilized to witness this great event,” he assured.
With recent performances signaling a positive turnaround, both bodies are aligned in the mission to reclaim Nigeria’s historic position as a beach soccer powerhouse — a title the Super Sand Eagles once held with pride after multiple African titles and World Cup podium finishes.
The 2025 NBSL Super Finals in Abuja, featuring the top teams from the league season, will serve as a crucial rallying point for the sport’s next chapter of national resurgence.
The joint commitment displayed during the visit underscores a new era of strategic development, stronger grassroots engagement, and renewed ambition — all geared towards putting the green-white-green flag firmly back on the world beach soccer map.