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…urges other governors to emulate him
Adamu Audu Ejo, head coach of Kogi Confluence has expressed delight as his side’s resilient display to emerge the first runner up in the 2016 Keta Beach Soccer Cup in Ghana.
Adamu applauded the support of Governor Yahaya Bello and urged other state governors to emulate him by investing in the sand game
The Nigerian side initially overcame maiden champions Owibeseb before bowing 2-0 to eventual winners Havedzi Warriors in the final of the second edition played at the Aborigines Beach Resort pitch in Keta last Sunday.
Despite unhappy losing the finals, the Kogi trainer admitted the champions were the better side though insists they could have done better with early preparation.
“I appreciate God, even though we went to Ghana with the aim to win the tournament but we are still happy to finish as runner up,” Audu told media.
“We played against the reigning champions in Ghana (Beach Soccer League) and only training within a week for the competition.
“We are not playing a (Beach Soccer) league in Nigeria but I just gathered my players with support the state governor gave us and determination to attend the competition.
“We drew them (Havedzi) in the group stage but when we got to the final we could not withstand their good form and strength aside been the host of the competition and current league leaders.
“If we had better preparation and a league, we could have won but in our next outing at the competition, we hope to do better.
“Despite the pressure, my players gave their very best to make the state and country proud by finishing as runners up.”
Audu who doubles as the head coach of the Supersand Eagles, applauded the support of Governor Yahaya Bello and urged other state governors to emulate him by investing in the sand game.
He advocated for more investment in beach soccer and the establishment of a beach soccer league as he believes the sport will boost tourism in the country and engage more youths.
On government’s support and appeal, Ejo as fondly called said: “I really want to appreciate Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello for the great support to the team.
“He is the first governor that his team participated in an intercontinental beach soccer competition and they came second.
“I know if other governors can emulate him by investing in beach soccer, that will help reduce crime and create employment for youths. It is also a good avenue to boost tourism,” he concluded.
The team are expected back in Nigeria by road from Ghana en-route Togo-Cotonou on Tuesday evening.
Kogi is the first state to officially represent the country in an intercontinental beach soccer club competition after they won their first national trophy in the CBN National Beach Soccer Cup in 2013.
Nigeria are hosts of the 2016 Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations slated to hold in November later this year.
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