NBSL 2: Hosts Anambra Warriors Succumb To Kebbi Fishers In Opener
The second round of season five Nigeria Beach Soccer League has kicked off at the Moonshine Arena Stadium in the commercial town of Nnewi, Anambra.
In the opening game of the competition played on Thursday, hosts, the Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors lost 5-6 on penalties to the defending champions, Kebbi Fishers Beach Soccer club.
The game had ended 2-2 in regulation time before both teams went into penalties for the decider.
Other teams participating in the competition are Kebbi United BSC, Kada BSC, Nmanko Patigi BSC, Jigawa Golden Star BSC, Ibom BSC and Niger BSC.
Anambra is hosting the League for the second time courtesy of Anambra State Beach Soccer Association (ABSA).
Speaking at the event, Mahmud Hadejia, the Coordinator and President of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League said players from the league would be selected by the Nigeria Football Federation to represent the Country at global tournaments.
Hadejia who commended (ABSA) for playing a leading role in the development of Beach Soccer in Southern Nigeria bestowed an award of recognition on Victor Madubuko, chairman of the association for his ‘Outstanding Contribution’ to the NBSL.
He said the America based professor was a man of passion, dedication, and relentless efforts in developing the game from the grassroots level.
He said Madubuko had an ambitious vision for the sport which made him go create artificial beach sandpitch of international standard which would later become a central hub for talent discovery and development in Anambra and beyond.
“Beyond the sand and goals, Madubuko’s initiative is lauded for its focus on youth empowerment.
“His work has provided a critical platform for engaging young talents, offering them opportunities for sporting excellence, skill development, and potential employment,” he said.
On his part, Madubuko dedicated the award to players, supporters, and believers in beach soccer in Anambra.
He said his goal was to make Beach Soccer a frontline sport in Anambra adding that the award was a huge motivation for him to do more.
