Suleman Yahaya-Kwande, the Chairman of the Beach Soccer League, on Saturday urged the Nigeria Sand Eagles to put their loss to Cote D’Voire behind them and ensure they bounce back.
Sand Eagles were on Friday subdued 6-3 by Cote D’Voire, the defending champions, in their first match in the ongoing Copa Lagos Beach Soccer holding at the Eko Atlantis in Lagos.
Yahaya-Kwande told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that although the Sand Eagles performed below expectation, they must not allow it to weigh them down.
He said: “It was a tough game.
“They did not really connect well and it is obvious they were not mentally prepared for the match.
“However, I would talk to them because I believe they will definitely bounce back and beat their next opponent.
“We started camp late and the federation is really having a tough financial time, but not withstanding, I will talk to the players and try to ginger them.”
The chairman, who is a member of the House of Representatives, also praised the Samson Adamu-led organising team, describing them as individuals working hard for the progress of the sport.
He said: “I am happy with what I saw in the Day 1 matches.
“The crowd is awesome.
“The ambience is spectacular and you could see a lot of improvement from the last edition.
“The mistakes of last year are being corrected.
“The success story so far is an indication that the much expected Nigeria Beach Soccer League is definitely underway.”
In the same vein, Amos Adamu, a former Director General of the National Sports Commission, said the purpose of Copa Lagos was to establish the culture of Beach Soccer.
Adamu said: “I am happy with the level of success recorded so far.
“In no time, Copa Lagos has already recorded huge success and it is fast gaining ground in Nigeria.
“We are hoping that very soon it will be as popular as the normal football Nigeria fans are used to.
“With the expected league, it will bring more fans to the game.”
On the chances of Sand Eagles, Adamu said the team had been doing well in the past and should not be underrated because of their loss to Cote D’Voire.
NAN reports that the Sand Eagles play England, while a celebrity match between ex-internationals and entertainers is also scheduled for Day 2.
The Copa Lagos started on December 17 and ends December 19 in Lagos.
NAN.