The Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has expressed confidence that the Sand Eagles will qualify for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON), despite their 3-3 draw against Ghana’s Black Sharks in the first leg of the qualifiers in Kaduna.
Ikpeme acknowledged that Nigeria’s prolonged absence from international beach soccer had affected the team’s competitive rhythm but expressed optimism that the players could secure qualification in the return leg in Ghana.
He noted that the team’s last competitive outing was against Mauritania in an AFCON qualifying match two years ago, stressing the need for consistency in training and player development.
The NFF official assured the team of the federation’s commitment to providing the necessary support to strengthen the country’s beach soccer programme.
Ikpeme said the first-leg draw had left the contest open, adding that he had spoken with the players, who had promised to deliver a determined performance in Ghana.
He expressed confidence that the Sand Eagles could overturn expectations and secure the qualification ticket if they approached the decisive encounter with the right attitude, commitment and fighting spirit.
Nigeria will face the Black Sharks in the second leg in Ghana, with both teams battling for a place at the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled to hold in Senegal later this year.
