By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Beach Soccer has been introduced in Akwa Ibom State with the inauguration of a 10-member executive last weekend in Uyo, the state capital to manage the sports in the state.
Known as Ibom Beach Soccer Association, the body is headed by Captain Victor Ndueso with Mr Oto Ekanem as the Secretary.
The inauguration also featured the unveiling of Beach Soccer Logo and seminar.
Addressing the players and officials of the game, the Chief Executive Officer, Beach Soccer Association of Nigeria, Mr Mahmud Hadijia said the national body of the association was ready to support Beach Soccer in Akwa Ibom.
Mr Hadijia explained that the purpose of the Nigeria Beach Soccer Association was to help States to grow and commended Akwa Ibom Beach Soccer Association for putting modalities in place to kickstart the game.
Hadijia, who is also the President, Africa Beach Soccer Union urged the players in Akwa Ibom to take advantage of the training to enable them to take part in the Nigerian National Beach Soccer League and other competitions to exhibit their talents.
He described Beach Soccer as a FIFA game with lots of potentials which has come a long way.
The CEO advised Ibom Beach Soccer Association to organize Local Beach leagues to enhance productivity and called on the government to partner with the association to ensure the game grows to higher level.
Chairman of the Association, Captain Victor Ndueso promised to prioritize the game and tasked the players to be ready to train hard to make the team proud.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Association, Mr Oto Ekanem had posited that with good beaches in Akwa Ibom, Beach Soccer can be successful according to
Present at the event were Nigeria Beach Soccer Association Board Member, Kadiri Christopher, Beach Soccer FIFA Instructor, Mr Sunday Okayi and Nigeria Beach Soccer League Administration Secretary, Rasheed Saraki.
Others members of Ibom Beach Soccer Association include, Dr Elizabeth Obot, Vice Chairman Mr Bassey Aniekeme, Assistant Secretary, Mr Jonathan Nduenie, Financial Secretary, Mr John Ekpenyong, Welfare Officer, Mr King King Akanimo, Organizing Secretary, Coach Magnus Effiong, Head of Technical, Coach Ekaette Ikpe, Assistant Head, Technical and the Chairman of SWAN in Akwa Ibom, Mr Emmanuel Akpan as Media Officer.
