A second place finish at the just concluded Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations means that the Super Sand Eagles of Nigeria will make do with a World Cup ticket for next year’s finals.
Nigeria’s centurion at the just concluded tournament, Abu Azeez spoke to ACLSports on what needs to be done following World Cup qualification and how beach soccer awareness and activity in the country can be improved upon.
When asked about an existing beach soccer league to help players stay fit and stay competitive “There is no league,” he said. “But I heard they are working on one. So we are hoping they do so,” he added.
“As for me, I educate myself by watching past clips, new youtube videos, current instagram beach soccer videos and all.”
He then went further to explain what can be done to help better beach soccer activity in Nigeria and help the players stay active like other players around the world.
“We need more tournaments, a very good beach soccer league, experts to teach our coaches here tactics and technical aspects of beach soccer more. We also need players that can understand the difference between beach soccer and grass football,” Azeez said.
Having qualified for the World Cup, the centurion also spoke on what should be done by the Nigerian Football Federation in terms of preparation for the Super Sand Eagles to be able to complete globally with other teams.
“We need tested friendlies,” he said. And “A training tour outside Africa probably close to venue of the World Cup next year.”
The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will take place in Paraguay from the 21st of November – 1st of December, 2019 with Nigeria and Senegal billed to represent Africa at the global showpiece.
