Nigeria national beach soccer team head coach, Abdullahi Isa, speaks on the growth and tactical progress of beach soccer in Nigeria and across Africa.
Head coach of the Nigeria national beach soccer team, Abdullahi Isa, believes beach soccer in Nigeria and across Africa has made significant strides in recent years, both tactically and competitively.
Speaking on the growth of the sport, Isa acknowledged that while Africa is still developing compared to Europe and South America, clear progress has been made.
“Even though, compared to Europe and South America, Africa is still developing tactically and commercially, the game of beach soccer in Nigeria and Africa has evolved technically, tactically and competitively,”
He pointed to the steady expansion of domestic competitions as evidence of that development.
“One good example is the Nigeria Beach Soccer League which is going into its sixth consecutive and successful season in 2026. We also have local state leagues like the Kebbi Beach Soccer League, the Kada Beach Soccer Tournament which is annual, the Anambra Beach Soccer League, and the just concluded ABSU President’s Cup in Jigawa State.
“There are also other leagues going on in African countries like Uganda, Morocco and Senegal.”
NBSL Key To National Team Growth
Isa emphasised the importance of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL) in strengthening the national team setup.
“The NBSL has, and is still playing, a significant role in shaping and strengthening the national team. It provides the technical crew the opportunity to scout from a wider and more competitive pool of players.
“It also helps to keep selected players match-fit and tactically sharper, reducing preparation time before every international competition.”
Coaching Philosophy
Outlining his philosophy, Isa described a clear tactical identity built around intensity and tactical discipline.
“My beach soccer coaching philosophy is built on intensity, creativity, tactical intelligence, and player development within a challenging but enjoyable environment.
“My teams aim to play fast and direct in attack, with quick vertical play and early shots on goal. We use rotational movement in a 1-2-1-1 formation. Defensively, we are aggressive in transitions, with immediate counter-pressing. We remain compact in central areas and force opponents wide.”
AFCON Focus And World Cup Ambition
The Super Sand Eagles will feature in an invitational tournament in preparation for Beach Soccer AFCON Qualifiers. The invitational is sated for May 2026 in Ghana.
Looking ahead, Isa revealed that preparations are already underway for the next Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, which is the team’s immediate priority
“The upcoming Beach Soccer AFCON is our primary focus at the moment. The plan is to start early preparation by organising structured pre-tournament camps, playing friendly matches and competing in structured tournaments like the ABSU competition.
“That way, the players become more experienced and gain the confidence to face any opponent.”
Beyond the continental stage, Isa reiterated his long-term vision of building a competitive and tactically mature squad capable of dominating in Africa and competing strongly at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
With domestic structures growing stronger and early preparations in motion, the Nigeria beach soccer team appears determined to raise its profile on both the African and global stage.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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