Beach Soccer AFCON: NBSL coordinator Mahmud reacts to Nigeria’s withdrawal

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Coordinator of Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL), Mr. Mahmud Hadejia has opened up on the reasons why the Nigeria Beach soccer national team won’t be taking part in the 2022 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) this week confirmed the withdrawal of Nigeria from the tournament slated to kick off on October 21 in Mozambique.

The development means Nigeria will miss back-to-back editions of the continental showpiece, having missed the 2019 edition due to the disbandment of the team following dismal Beach Soccer World Cup outing same year.

And the football administrator, who also doubles as the President of Africa Beach Soccer Union (ABSU), gave explanation to the unfortunate development.

“I can clearly understand the frustration after all the effort and sacrifices from all stakeholders. I want to add by saying this decision was taken by the previous board and they had their reasons with challenges,” Hadejia wrote in a statement made available to Nigeriafootball.ng.

“Some of us did everything possible to find a solution so the team could participate in the Beach Soccer AFCON (BSAFCON) but it wasn’t to be. I must also add that key actors like the General Secretary, Hon. Solomon Kwande, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi and others played very important roles to ensure the team resumes active participation.”

The county’s withdrawal comes just few days after the successful completion of the second edition of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League in Birnin-Kebbi where Kada of Kaduna emerged champions.

And Hadejia went on to assure that all hopes are not lost with the Beach Soccer League which just concluded its second edition as the league focuses on developing entertaining sport across Nigeria.

He said: “All hope is not lost. We have a thriving National league that concluded its second season with huge potential for growth. We need to focus on improving on all fronts and collectively join hands with the Federation to make this possible. We still have the commitment and confidence of the new board in this regard.

“Let’s remain optimistic and work towards making Nigeria the force it used to be & make concerted efforts to overcome the current challenges rather than apportion unnecessary blames,” he concluded.

The withdrawal of Nigeria will see seven teams now compete for the ultimate prize at the fifth edition tournament.

The Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations will kick off on 21 October at Vilankulos Arena with the opening match between hosts Mozambique, 2021 AFCON runners-up, and Malawi.