STORE 
MY BEACH SOCCER 
The days’ activities ceremoniously began as the excitement for action reached a boiling point
Beach soccer is already a hit in Nigeria, but evidenced by the very well represented press conference, not just the players are eager to get started. Representatives from the Organizers, Kinect Sports Management, Beach Soccer Worldwide, and the teams were all present for the conference and were available to talk to the local and international media. BSWW Head of Marketing and Event Manager, Andrew de Gruchy confidently stated, “Since beginning in 2011, the event has gotten bigger and better, not just on the pitch but from an entertainment stand-point as well.”
Every year Nigeria has triumphed on their home soil and taken home the crown. This will be the third time that the Sand Eagles will be defending champions but that does not concern the other nations, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, and Senegal, as they have their own goals and desires. Ngakka Syklla, Captain of Senegal, went on to say, “Sure Nigeria may be the favourites but we a solid team with an established beach soccer history as well.”
The hosts are preparing for a fight from all the teams due to the high amount of respect that each has earned, but the most determined may be the Ghana side. Julius Ceasar Beckley, Ghana’s Captain, acknowledged his teams’ youth factor, but also continued with, “We are even more excited because we are newer to the sport. So everything we do is history. If we win it is historic.”
History will be made one way or the other, especially considering the fact that this is the first year that club teams will be involved at Copa Lagos. FC Barcelona was appropriately represented by Ramiro Amarelle, the Spanish beach soccer legend, and Captain, Nico Alvarado, who were both pleased to be able to represent FC Barcelona and that they take much pride in that. All of the festivities begin on Friday, starting with FC Barcelona taking on Pepsi Academy.
The representatives pictured above are: Player/Coach Ramiro Amarelle and Captain Nico Alvarado from FC Barcelona, Johnny Heeman Mawusi, Coach of Ghana, Julius Ceasar, Ghana’s captain, and from the Ivory Coast there was Coach Soro Lohognon Jean, and Captain Brou Armand Kouadio. Nigeria had their coach, Audu Adamu Ejo, and Captain Isiaka Olawale. Also present was Samson Adamu, Director of Kinetic Sports Management and Copa Lagos CEO, as well as Andrew de Gruchy, BSWW Head of Marketing and Event Manager. Stay connected with beachsoccer.com, where all the scores and news will be updated as they happen.
