Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has backed the Sand Eagles to qualify for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) despite their 3-3 draw with Ghana’s Black Sharks in the first leg in Kaduna on Saturday.
Ikpeme admitted that Nigeria’s prolonged absence from international beach soccer had affected the team’s competitive rhythm but expressed optimism that the players could secure a place at the continental tournament in Senegal.
He said: “We have not played the game for some time in terms of international beach soccer. We have just resumed, and our last competitive match was against Mauritania in a Beach Soccer AFCON qualifying tie two years ago. Beach soccer is a very tough game and there is a need for consistency in the training and development of the players.”
The NFF chief also pledged to work towards providing the national beach soccer team with the support needed to compete effectively.
Ikpeme said: “I believe there is hope. During my time, I will work to ensure that we give the beach soccer national team all the necessary support.”
With the tie level at 3-3, the Sand Eagles will travel to Ghana for the decisive second leg, where both teams will battle for a place at the 2026 tournament.
Ikpeme believes Nigeria can turn the contest around, expressing confidence in the players’ determination and ability to deliver an unexpected result against the Black Sharks.
He said: “Fortunately, it was a drawn match. We are going there on a clean slate.
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“I have spoken to the players, and they have given me their word that when they go to Ghana, they will do that which nobody expects.
“The fighting spirit, commitment will be there. I have absolute confidence in these players.
“If they go there and show up with the right verve, vivacity and enthusiasm, there is no way we won’t qualify for the Beach Soccer AFCON. I am positive that they will turn around the table.”
Nigeria must now produce a disciplined and determined performance in Ghana to overcome their opponents and secure qualification for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal later this year.
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