2026 NBSL: Gabriel Chinweze set to lead Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors title defence charge

Captain Gabriel Chinweze has expressed strong belief in Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors’ chances of retaining their crown ahead of the 2026 Nigeria Beach Soccer League first round in Kebbi State.

Reflecting on their triumph last season, Chinweze credited teamwork, determination, and divine grace as key factors behind their success, while acknowledging the challenge posed by Kebbi Fishers BSC in the final.

“I thank God who made everything possible for us to win the league last season and this season we will try to retain the title,” he told www.beachsoccer.ng

“In last season’s final, we knew that Kebbi Fishers BSC is a better side but we decided that we are going back home with that trophy. I didn’t do it alone. We did it together. It wasn’t easy for us but with togetherness and hard work we were able to achieve our aims.”

The skipper also appreciated the club’s leadership, particularly their chairman, Professor Victor Madubuko, while recalling the celebrations that followed their triumph in Nnewi.

Looking ahead, Chinweze admitted that staying at the top comes with pressure but remains optimistic about maintaining their momentum through hard work and unity.

“It’s not easy to be at the top, especially maintaining the momentum. I believe by the special grace of God, we are still going to maintain it because I believe in hard work to come out successful.”

He further highlighted the team’s motivation, noting that players are driven by passion for beach soccer and the desire to make their families proud.

“The love for the game and determination by members of the team to make themselves proud is a motivating factor. Everybody is fighting to come back with victory,” he added.

Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors won their maiden league title at the expense of record champions Kebbi Fishers BSC in 2025.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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