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NBSL blow as Supersand Eagles suffer consecutive Beach Soccer AFCON absence
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria Beach Soccer national team (Supersand Eagles) have withdrawn from the 2022 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which will take place in Vilankulo, Mozambique.
The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) on Wednesday confirmed the withdrawal of Nigeria from the tournament when it released adjusted fixtures for the tournament. No reason was offered for the withdrawal by CAF.
Nigeria had qualified for the 2022 Beach Soccer AFCON without playing a game after the withdrawal of Libya from the Qualifiers. It a back-to-back absence from the continental showpiece for the Supersand Eagles who also missed out on the 2019 edition following the disbandment of the national team due to dismal show at the World Cup.
The shock development amounts as a huge setback for the growing sport coming just two days after the successful conclusion of the second edition of the National Beach Soccer League in Birnin-Kebbi, where Kada BSC dethroned hosts and holders Kebbi Fishers to emerge the new champions.
In less than two weeks, the beautiful town of Vilankulos in Mozambique will host Africa’s premium beach competition, Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Mozambique 2022 with the kick-off match being played on 21 October 2022.
CAF has released a revised fixture for the competition following the withdrawal of Nigeria. The withdrawal of Nigeria will see seven teams now compete for the ultimate prize at the fifth edition tournament.
Hosts and 2021 AFCON runners-up Mozambique, Malawi, and Morocco are the three (3) teams in Group A. Meanwhile, four teams make up Group B. These are Senegal, Uganda, Madagascar, and Egypt.
The Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations will kick off on 21 October at Vilankulos Arena and the final taking place on 28 October, with the opener between hosts Mozambique and Malawi whose participation is the first time.
