Pinnick plans big for beach soccer, Futsal

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, says the Federation is planning to launch a robust Beach Soccer and Futsal League in the country.
This is in appreciation of the efforts of the Supersand Eagles in major tournaments across the globe.
The NFF supremo spoke on Sunday at the finale of the COPA Lagos 2015, where the Supersand Eagles finished second behind the Ivorian Elephants.
He said: “The Supersand Eagles have shown great patriotic fervour and the typical Nigerian spirit over the years, and brought honour to this country a number of times. We appreciate their efforts.
“The performances of the Supersand Eagles have not gone unnoticed, as the NFF has commenced in earnest arrangements for the launching of a vibrant Beach Soccer and Futsal League in the country.”
The Supersand Eagles are on record to have won the first three editions of the COPA Lagos Invitational Beach Soccer Tournament, before finishing as runners-up to Cote d’Ivoire last year and this year.
Also, the team won the African Beach Soccer Championship in 2007 and 2009 and reached the quarter finals at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Ravenna, Italy four years ago.
Pinnick added: “Our administration is seeking to develop Nigeria football all round. Beach Soccer, and futsal, is an integral part of the game and we have to pay quality attention to it as well.”
The Supersand Eagles lost 3-6 to Cote d’Ivoire on the opening day, before defeating England 8-6 and Lebanon 7-4 in consecutive days.
With Pinnick at Sunday’s closing ceremony were NFF 2nd Vice President/LMC Chairman, Shehu Dikko; NFF Executive Committee members – Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande and Barrister Chris Green; the Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission and former NFF Board member, Deji Tinubu; the Group Managing Director of First City Monument Bank, Ladi Balogun; and the NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme.