‘Nigeria not ready for 2024 Beach AFCON’ – Former Sand Eagles skipper

Former captain of Nigeria’s Sand Eagles, Isiaka Olawale, has said that the team is not ready to compete in the 2024 Beach African Cup of Nations.

The Sand Eagles, who were out of action for several years, were recently reinstated by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau. The team is set to face Mauritania in the qualifiers, but Olawale believes they are unprepared.

“It’s going to be tough because we’ve been inactive for over 3 years. The time we have to prepare is very short,” Olawale told Brila FM.

He noted that most of the players likely to be selected are new to the game. “Almost 70 to 80 percent of the players are new, so they lack experience,” he said.

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Olawale stressed the importance of preparation. “If the team can come together and train for at least one month or even three weeks before the competition, I think we’ll be okay,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau is confident Nigeria can strive with neccessary support from the Glass House.

Gusau said at the inauguration of the Beach and Futsal committee on Thursday, June 20, 2024: “Nigeria is a big footballing nation, and it will be inappropriate if we continue to stay out of some activities that other African countries are involved in, football-wise. We will do whatever is necessary to restore Nigeria’s presence in futsal and beach soccer.

“I am assuring the committee that whether through financial or other means, futsal and beach soccer will enjoy equal treatment as other National Teams.”