Kada and Badagry currently lead the groups going into the next stage
The opening stage of the inaugural Nigeria Beach Soccer League reached a dramatic climax on Easter Monday at Landmark Beach in Lekki, Lagos.
The eight teams battled in three matchdays in the first stage. On the final day, Smart City made sure Edo HCF ended the round without a point as they beat them 5-2, and four goals from Taro Seun made sure the Lagos club finished the round with six points after recovering from their 6-4 Saturday loss to Kada BSC.
The second match, between Badagry and Anambra, proved to be a one-sided meeting as Anambra were on the backfoot for much of the game, and failed to convert any of their chances. A more clinical Badagry side came out 4-0 winners.
In the other matches, Kada BSC continued their unbeaten run, this time getting the better of Igbogbo Kingdom with the game finishing 4-2.
The climax of the day was, however, the shock 3-2 defeat of Kebbi by Kwara, who picked up their first three points in the competition. Even a late goal from Kebbi’s star veteran, Emeka Ogbonna (who won the Top Scorer award at the last edition of Copa Lagos with Nigeria), wasn’t enough to salvage points from the match.
Badagry top Group A with six points, while Kada lead Group B on nine points.
FIFA Councillor, CAF Executive Committee Member and President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, was present to officially cut the ribbon on the Nigeria Beach Soccer League.
“I’m very excited that we are finally kicking off the Beach Soccer League in Nigeria.” Said Mr Pinnick. “I’m here to officially endorse this project and to also show the Federation’s full backing.
I want to appreciate everyone that made this happen because it has been a collective effort despite the many hurdles. We will take beach soccer to greater heights of international relevance.”
The league is also supported by Beach Soccer Worldwide and Africa Beach Soccer Union.
The league will consist of four stages and locations across the nation, which already have existing beach soccer facilities: Lagos (April), Kebbi (May), Kwara (June) and Kaduna will host the Super finals in July.
RESULTS
MATCHDAY 1
Group A
Kebbi BSC 4-2 Badagry United
Kwara BSC 3-5 Anambra BSC
Group B
Igbogbo BSC 6-3 Edo BSC
Kada BSC 6-4 Smart City
MATCHDAY 2
Group A
Badagry United 7-3 Kwara BSC
Anambra 4-7 Kebbi BSC
Group B
Edo HCF 3-8 Kada B
Smart City 3-2 Igbogbo BSC
MATCHDAY 3
Group A
Badagry United 4-0 Anambra
Kwara 3-2 Kebbi BSC
Group B
Kada B 4-2 Igbogbo BSC
Smart City 5-2 Edo HCF
