Ahead of the 2014 Copa Lagos, head coach of the Super Sand Eagles, Audu Adamu Ejor has said his team are aiming to win this year’s Beach Soccer Championship to present Nigerians another Christmas gift.
The annual Four-Nation tournament, which holds between 12-14 December will feature three other African countries, continent’s defending champions Senegal, Ghana and Ivory Coast at the Lagos’ Atlantic.
Although he expects a tough contest against the African sides, Ejor, said the fans will enjoy another spectacular display this time as they hope to successfully retain the title for the fourth time in a row.
Ejor has applauded the support of the National Sports Commission and Nigeria Football Federation, and believes this edition will be with a difference for the Super Sand Eagles.
“I’m happy that another opportunity is here for us to give Nigerians another Christmas gift.
“It will be tough no doubt because of the other African teams that will be involved in the competition. But as the best in African, we will prove ourselves again as champions.
“There are few new faces in our team and our best legs are still around, although we won’t have enough time to check out the others”, he said.
Meanwhile, the coach of the Nigerian team has released a
provisional list of 18 players for this year’s Copa Lagos.
On the list is legendary captain Olawale Isiaka, while an all-time record
goal scorer Abu Azeez is among other familiar faces for the coveted
entertaining beach event.
Sharks’ goalkeeper Isah Danladi and Lobi Stars’ Musa Najare, who
replaced Ikechukwu Ibenegbu that will be absent for personal reasons,
dominated the list of new invitees.
The Super Sand-Eagles, will begin an intensive one-week
training activities at the usual base in Badagry on Wednesday, with the 18 players fighting for places in the final squad list of 10 for the tournament.
Nigeria is the most successful team at the Championship winning in all
three editions since inception in 2011, while Abu Azeez holds the record highest goal of 11.
The annual Four-Nation tournament, which holds between 12-14 December will feature three other African countries, continent’s defending champions Senegal, Ghana and Ivory Coast at the Lagos’ Atlantic.
Although he expects a tough contest against the African sides, Ejor, said the fans will enjoy another spectacular display this time as they hope to successfully retain the title for the fourth time in a row.
Ejor has applauded the support of the National Sports Commission and Nigeria Football Federation, and believes this edition will be with a difference for the Super Sand Eagles.
“I’m happy that another opportunity is here for us to give Nigerians another Christmas gift.
“It will be tough no doubt because of the other African teams that will be involved in the competition. But as the best in African, we will prove ourselves again as champions.
“There are few new faces in our team and our best legs are still around, although we won’t have enough time to check out the others”, he said.
Meanwhile, the coach of the Nigerian team has released a
provisional list of 18 players for this year’s Copa Lagos.
On the list is legendary captain Olawale Isiaka, while an all-time record
goal scorer Abu Azeez is among other familiar faces for the coveted
entertaining beach event.
Sharks’ goalkeeper Isah Danladi and Lobi Stars’ Musa Najare, who
replaced Ikechukwu Ibenegbu that will be absent for personal reasons,
dominated the list of new invitees.
The Super Sand-Eagles, will begin an intensive one-week
training activities at the usual base in Badagry on Wednesday, with the 18 players fighting for places in the final squad list of 10 for the tournament.
Nigeria is the most successful team at the Championship winning in all
three editions since inception in 2011, while Abu Azeez holds the record highest goal of 11.
The Full Squad List
1. Abdul Isah – Kaduna United 2. Isiaka Olawale – Dolphins [Captain], 3. Okemmiri Ogbonnaya – Abia Warriors, 4. Victor Tale – Confluence
Beach team, 5. Abu Azeez – Warri Wolves.
6. Emeka Ogbonna – Leads United FC of Lagos, 7. Oladipo Olalekan –
Owibesebe Beach team, 8. Emma Ohweferia – Owibesebe Beach team, 9.
Babatunde Badmus – Owibesebe Beach team, 10. Atiku Sulaimon – Owibesebe
Beach team, 11. Musa Najare – Lobi Stars, 12. Isah Danladi – Sharks
FC.
13. Wasiu Akinbitan – Badagry Beach team, 14. Abutu Adofu – Confluence
Beach team, 15. Samuel Kuchili – Plateau United, 16. Idris Ahmed of
Mighty Jets, 17. Wasiu Jomih – Kwara Academy, 18. Ehiabhi Festus –
Bridge Boys of Lagos.
