Former Supersand Eagles skipper says team not ready for AFCON qualifiers
Former Skipper of Nigeria’s Sand Eagles, Isiaka Olawale, has expressed concerns about the team’s readiness to compete for a place in the 2024 Beach AFCON.
The team, recently reinstated by Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau after a few years of absence, is set to face Mauritania in the qualifiers.
However, Olawale has highlighted significant challenges in their preparation.
“It’s going to affect us because it’s over three years now, if you look at the time factor, it’s very, very short,” Olawale told Brila FM. He pointed out that the team comprises many new players, with 70 to 80 percent being fresh faces unfamiliar with the game.
Olawale emphasised the importance of adequate preparation time for the team. “The most important thing is that if they can put the house together and then if the boys can be able to at least assemble themselves in like one month before the competition or 3 weeks, I think it will be okay,” he added.
The concerns raised by Olawale underscore the challenges faced by the Sand Eagles as they aim to make a successful return to competitive beach soccer.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has inaugurated the Beach Soccer and Futsal committee.
