‘Pray for Victory” – Nigeria Beach soccer Boss urges ahead of Supersand Eagles vs Mauritania clash
Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation Beach Soccer Committee, Otuekong Nse Essien, has called on Nigerians to “pray for victory” as the Supersand Eagles prepare for their crucial Beach Nations Cup qualifier against Mauritania. The second-leg fixture will take place on Saturday, July 27, in Kaduna.
In a message posted on his Facebook page, Essien urged fans to support the team with their prayers and highlighted images from the pre-match meeting. The Supersand Eagles, who secured a narrow 5-4 victory over Mauritania in the first leg, are on the brink of qualifying for this year’s Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations. A draw in the return leg will be enough for Nigeria to advance to the continental tournament.
The first leg, held in Nouakchott last week, saw Nigeria’s Emeka Ogbonna, Emmanuel Ohwoferia, Taiwo Adams, and Victor Tale find the net. The team’s strong performance has set them up well for the decisive match in Kaduna.
The Beach Soccer Arena at Murtala Muhammed Square will host the return leg, kicking off at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
The Confederation of African Football has appointed a team of Mozambican officials for the match, including referee Dique Salvador Muxanga and his assistants Angelo Almeida Nguenha and Jonas Chochota Chochato. Angolan Eliano Domingos Tito Iacala will serve as timekeeper, with Adalberto Luis Fonseca Catambi from São Tomé and Príncipe acting as commissioner. All officials arrived in Kaduna on Thursday.
Supersand Eagles coach Abdullahi Isa, a seasoned veteran of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Championships, has a squad ready for the challenge. Key players include Adams, Ohwoferia, Godwin Tale, Victor Tale, Egan-Osi Ekujimi, Chidozie Frank, Isah Arome, and Hassan Abdullahi.
A draw or a win on Saturday will secure Nigeria’s place in the finals, where they will join Egypt, Morocco, and Tanzania, who have already qualified. Other matches this weekend include Senegal vs. Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire vs. Ghana, Mozambique vs. Seychelles, and Malawi vs. Burundi.
