2014 COPA LAGOS: We will give Nigerians another Christmas gift, says Ejor…Named 18-man provisional squad… reopens camp on Wednesday Dec 3
Ahead of the 2014 Copa Lagos, head coach of the Super Sand Eagles, Audu Adamu Ejor has said his side is aiming to win this year’s Beach Soccer Championship to present Nigerians another Christmas gift.
The annual four-nation tournament organized by which kicks-off between December 12-14 will feature three other African countries – continent defending champions Senegal, Ghana and Ivory Coast at the Lagos’
Atlantic.
Though expects a tough contest against the African sides, Ejor, said the fans will enjoy another spectacular display this time as they hope to successfully retain the title for the fourth time in a row.
Ejor as popularly called applauded the support of the National Sports Commission and Nigeria Football Federation and believes this edition will be with a difference for the Super Sand Eagles.
“I’m happy that another opportunity is here for us to give Nigerians another Christmas gift.
“I will be tough no doubt because of the other African teams that will be involved in the competition. But as the best in African, we will prove ourselves again as champions.
“I’m excited with the great support and attention we are getting from the Ministry of Sports and the NFF. I believe that will spur us. There are few new faces as well as our best legs, though we won’t have
enough time to check out others.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Beach soccer senior national team has released a provisional list of 18 players for this year’s Copa Lagos.
On the list is legendary captain Olawale Isiaka and all-time record goal scorer Abu Azeez are among other familiar faces for the coveted entertaining beach event.
Sharks’ goalkeeper Isah Danladi and Lobi Stars’ Musa Najare, who replaced Ikechukwu Ibenegbu that will be absent for personal reasons, dominated the team of new invitees.
The Super Sand-Eagles, Wednesday will begin an intensive one-week training activities at the usual base in Badagry with the 18-man team will vie for their places in the final squad list of 10 for the tournament.
Nigeria is the most successful team at the Championship winning in all three editions since inception in 2011, while Abu Azeez holds the record highest goal of 11.
Full squad list
1. Abdul Isah – Kaduna United 2. Isiaka Olawale – Dolphins [Captain], 3. Okemmiri Ogbonnaya – Abia Warriors, 4. Victor Tale – Confluence Beach team, 5. Abu Azeez – Warri Wolves.
6. Emeka Ogbonna – Leads United FC of Lagos, 7. Oladipo Olalekan – Owibeseb Beach team, 8. Emma Ohweferia – Owibeseb Beach team, 9. Babatunde Badmus – Owibeseb Beach team, 10. Atiku Sulaimon – Owibeseb Beach team, 11. Musa Najare – Lobi Stars, 12. Isah Danladi – Sharks FC.
13. Wasiu Akinbitan – Badagry Beach team, 14. Abutu Adofu – Confluence Beach team, 15. Samuel Kuchili – Plateau United, 16. Idris Ahmed of Mighty Jets, 17. Wasiu Jomih – Kwara Academy, 18. Ehiabhi Festus –
Bridge Boys of Lagos.
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