Super Sand Eagles Set for Beach Soccer AFCON Qualifier Against Mauritania

After a five-year hiatus from international competition, Nigeria's Super Sand Eagles are poised to make their return to the beach soccer scene. The team will depart for Nouakchott, Mauritania on Friday morning, ahead of their 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the host nation on Saturday.

The match, which marks the first leg of a two-leg fixture, will be officiated by Egyptian referees. Hany Farouk El-Sayed Eleraky will take charge as the main referee, alongside Ahmed Mohamed Elwan Nofal and Ibrahim El-Sayed Mahgoub as assistant referees. Khaled Mohamed Elewa will serve as the timekeeper, while Moroccan official El Mansouri Taha has been appointed as the match commissioner.

Under the guidance of newly appointed Head Coach Abdullahi Isa, a veteran goalkeeper and former assistant coach, the Super Sand Eagles are eager to make a statement in their return to international competition. Isa will be supported by Assistant Coach Christopher Kadiri and Goalkeepers' Trainer Bashar Samaila.

The team boasts a mix of experienced players and new talent, including Victor Tale, Emeka Ogbonna, Arome Isah, Adams Taiwo, Emmanuel Ohwoferia, Godwin Tale, Egan-Osi Ekujimi, Chidozie Frank, and Hassan Abdullahi.

The return leg of the qualifying match is scheduled to take place on July 27th in Nigeria, providing the Super Sand Eagles with an opportunity to build on their performance in the first leg.

The team's return to international competition marks a significant milestone, following a period of dormancy after the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Paraguay 2019. Credit goes to a group of dedicated enthusiasts, led by Mallam Mahmoud Hadejia, who have worked tirelessly to keep the beach soccer flame alive in Nigeria through the annual Nigeria Beach Soccer League and various tournaments.

With renewed energy and determination, the Supersand Eagles are ready to take on the challenge and make their mark on the beach soccer scene once again.