Anambra, Kebbi Kick Off Beach Soccer Championship in Flying Colours

By Ikemefuna Asika

Anambra Beach Soccer team (Warriors) and Kebi united Beach Soccer team commenced their campaign in second round of Beach Soccer league competition in winning notes.

In the first game, Kebbi United Beach Soccer club defeated Jigawa Golden Stars Beach Soccer club by 6-4 .

The match was spiced with the rich cultural dance display to the admiration of players, officials and guests.

Different dance troupes entertained guests at every interval of the game such that officials and guests could not hold back their excitement but stood up to dance to the beautiful cultural tunes.

Kebbi Fishers Beach Soccer Club secured a 7-5 win over Kada Beach Soccer Club from Kaduna State in the second match of the day

Anambra Warriors in the third game defeated their opponents, Nmanko Patigi of Kwara state 3-2 to secure the maximum point.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof. Victor Madubuko, Chairman of Anambra Beach Soccer Association said he was happy to have attracted the NBSL to Anambra within two years of the formation of the association.

Madubuko said Beach Soccer was a passion for him and that his objective in the sport was to create an activity that would engage the youth and open doors of economic opportunity for them.

He noted that beach soccer was an interesting game and encouraged others to invest and make it popular in the Southeast.

“I am living the happiest day of my life for see this lifetime vision come to reality, the state government has promised to take the game to all the Local Government Areas, that is a very good commitment for us.

“They say we do not have a beach but we have created a beach soccer pitch for ourselves, I thank our sponsors and encourage others to come and begin small,” he said.

On his part, Mahmud Hadija, President of African Beach Soccer Union and Coordinator of NBSL commended Anambra State for blazing the trail for the game in Southeast.

Hadija said the Anambra Beach Soccer Association, a wholly private sector initiative driven by Madubuko had not only built one of the best beach soccer pitch in Nigeria but put up an interesting hosting.

“We are all excited because beach soccer has come to Southeast of Nigeria, particularly Nnewi, we congratulate and thank the good people of Anambra. The hospitality is amazing,” he said.

In his remark, Ugochukwu Uzodike, Chairman Nnewi Sports Club said the private intervention in sports was a good omen while thanking the Anambra Beach Soccer Association for bringing the game to the State.

Uzodike said Nnewi Sports Club will support the association in popularising beach soccer by constructing the second playing pitch in Anambra State.

The second round of the league continues till Saturday May 18 with six teams participating.