Abuja: The National Coordinator of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL), Mahmud Hadejia, has revealed initiatives to introduce regional and continental competitions aimed at expanding the reach of beach soccer across Africa. This announcement marks a significant step for the sport’s development on the continent.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this initiative is spearheaded by the African Beach Soccer Union (ABSU) and will commence with regional tournaments, eventually leading to a continental championship. Hadejia explained that the goal is to establish a platform where champions from countries such as Nigeria and Ghana can compete, ultimately paving the way for a continental beach soccer championship. This would provide numerous opportunities for players, teams, sponsors, and fans throughout Africa.
Hadejia, who also holds the position of President of ABSU, stated that preparations are underway for the 2026 season of the NBSL. Recent grassroots competitions in Kebbi, Akwa Ibom, and Anambra have played a crucial role in strengthening beach soccer development within Nigeria. The upcoming NBSL season is set to kick off in Kebbi from March 19 to March 22, with the second round scheduled for April 10 to April 12 in Kaduna. Following a brief break, the league will resume in Abuja, concluding around May 31.
The league plays a vital role in maintaining players’ match fitness for international competitions, including FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualifiers. Hadejia emphasized the importance of keeping the league competitive to ensure players remain actively engaged through their clubs. He noted that several teams, including defending champions Anambra and newcomers BAM Projects from Kebbi, have consistently participated in the league.
Hadejia highlighted the league’s platform for former professional footballers to contribute to the sport’s growth. He mentioned Abdullahi Issa and Emeka Ogbonna as examples of ex-players involved in the league. Furthermore, he praised the support from sponsors like WACOT Rice from Kebbi and discussed efforts to introduce beach soccer into schools and universities nationwide.
Officials from ABSU, led by Sunday Okayi, recently visited Federal University Lokoja to discuss beach soccer’s development on campus. Beach soccer is set to be included in the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) events later this year, following a successful demonstration event in the previous edition. The president assured that the league would continue to offer competitive prizes for participating teams, encouraging more sponsors and partners to support beach soccer’s growth in Nigeria.