The Acting General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has expressed confidence that the Beach Soccer National Team, Sand Eagles, will secure qualification for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON), despite their 3-3 draw with Ghana’s Black Sharks in the first leg played in Kaduna on Saturday.
Ikpeme acknowledged that Nigeria’s long absence from international beach soccer had affected the team’s competitive rhythm but insisted that there was still hope of securing a place at the continental championship.
He said “We have not played the game for some time in terms of international beach soccer. We have just resumed, and our last competitive match was against Mauritania in a Beach Soccer AFCON qualifying tie two years ago. Beach soccer is a very tough game and there is a need for consistency in the training and development of the players,” .
The NFF General Secretary assured the team of the NFF’s commitment to ensuring that the national beach soccer side receives the necessary support to compete effectively. “I believe there is hope. During my time, I will work to ensure that we give the beach soccer national team all the necessary support.”
With the tie level at 3-3, Ikpeme believes the Sand Eagles have an opportunity to turn the contest in their favour in the return leg in Ghana. “Fortunately, it was a drawn match. We are going there on a clean slate. I have spoken to the players, and they have given me their word that when they go to Ghana, they will do that which nobody expects. The fighting spirit, commitment will be there. I have absolute confidence in these players. If they go there and show up with the right verve, vivacity and enthusiasm, there is no way we won’t qualify for the Beach Soccer AFCON. I am positive that they will turn around the table.”
Ikpeme’s confidence comes as Nigeria prepares for the decisive second leg against the Black Sharks, with both teams seeking to secure a place at the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations. The Sand Eagles will need to deliver a disciplined and determined performance in Ghana to overcome their opponents and snatch the ticket to the finals in Senegal later this year.
PHOTO: Ikpeme with the Sand Eagles in Kaduna on Sunday.
Nigeria’s Sand Eagles suffered a 4-5 penalty shootout defeat to Ghana after a thrilling 4-4 draw following extra time in the first leg of their 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifying match in Kaduna on Saturday.
Isa Hamza Manga delivered an impressive performance for Nigeria, scoring a hat-trick, including the opening goal, as the Super Sand Eagles battled to stay in contention against the Black Sharks. Ekene Obi also found the net in extra time, but Nigeria were unable to secure victory as Ghana fought back to force a penalty shootout.
Mawuli Sosu scored twice for the Black Sharks, while Wise Nyamadi struck an equaliser in extra time to ensure the encounter ended level after regulation and extra time.
Ghana eventually prevailed 5-4 in the shootout, giving the Black Sharks an advantage heading into the return leg scheduled for Keta next Sunday.
The Sand Eagles must now deliver a strong performance away from home to keep their hopes of qualifying for the continental tournament alive. The winner of the two-legged encounter will secure a place at the 2026 BSAFCON in Senegal.
