Nigeria Football Federation acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme has expressed strong belief that the Sand Eagles can still reach the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations after drawing 3-3 with Ghana’s Black Sharks in the first leg of their qualifier in Kaduna on Saturday.
Ikpeme acknowledges impact of international absence
Speaking to the squad before the decisive second leg, Ikpeme admitted that Nigeria’s prolonged spell without international beach soccer had affected the players’ match sharpness.
- Nigeria have only recently returned to beach soccer activity.
- The Sand Eagles’ previous competitive fixture was a Beach Soccer AFCON qualifying match against Mauritania two years ago.
- Ikpeme said regular training and sustained player development are essential in the demanding discipline of beach soccer.
“We have been away from international beach soccer for some time. We have only just come back, and our last competitive game was against Mauritania in a Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier two years ago,” Ikpeme said.
He added: “Beach soccer is a very difficult sport, and the players need consistency in both training and development.”
NFF promises greater backing for Sand Eagles
Despite the effects of the lengthy lay-off, the NFF official vowed that the national beach soccer team would receive the support required to improve and compete regularly.
“I believe there is hope,” Ikpeme said. “While I am here, I will make sure the beach soccer national team receives every necessary form of support.”
Level tie leaves Nigeria with everything to play for
With the first encounter ending without a winner, Ikpeme believes the Sand Eagles travel to Ghana with an equal opportunity to seal qualification for the finals in Senegal later this year.
- The opening match in Kaduna ended 3-3.
- Nigeria and Ghana begin the return fixture level on aggregate.
- The winners will earn a place at the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.
“Thankfully, the first match was drawn, so we are travelling there with a fresh start,” he said. “I have talked with the players and they have promised me that, when they get to Ghana, they will produce something nobody is expecting.
“They will show fight and commitment. I have complete faith in these players. If they arrive there with the right energy, drive and enthusiasm, there is no way we will fail to qualify for the Beach Soccer AFCON. I am convinced they will change the situation.”
