Kaduna State has thrown its support behind Nigeria’s Beach Soccer National Team, the Sand Eagles, as they prepare to travel to Ghana for the second leg of the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie.

Kaduna officials back Sand Eagles

Hassan Buba, the Director of Sports Development at the Kaduna State Ministry of Sports Development, delivered the state’s message of encouragement when the national team visited before leaving Kaduna.

• Buba spoke on behalf of the Kaduna State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Ben Kure.
• He told the players and technical officials that the state government would continue to support them ahead of the crucial match.
• He also passed on Kure’s best wishes, noting that the commissioner could not attend the send-off because he had an important engagement outside Kaduna State.

“I bring you the goodwill message of the Honourable Commissioner, who would have liked to meet you in person before your departure from Kaduna,” Buba said. “He wishes you success as you head to Accra for the return fixture and believes you will claim the qualification ticket for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.”

Call for discipline in Ghana

Buba urged the Sand Eagles to conduct themselves with discipline for the duration of their stay in Ghana, while offering prayers for a successful result in the deciding contest.

He again stressed that Kaduna State stood with the squad despite not being able to accompany them to Ghana.

“We may not be in Ghana physically, but our support is fully with you,” he added. “We are praying for you, and, Insha Allah, you will come back victorious.”

Qualification remains in the balance

Nigeria will head to Ghana looking to book a place at the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations after the opening leg ended in a 3-3 draw.