SABMiller’s leading beer brand, Hero Lager has signed a sponsorship deal with top Nigerian club side, Enyimba FC of Aba for the forthcoming COPA Lagos. The deal will see Enyimba FC donning their jersey for their match with Pepsi Football Academy, with Hero Larger emblazoned on it. The deal was sealed at a meeting between […]
via COPA Lagos: Hero Lager Signs Up Enyimba FC for Beach Soccer — newfanzoneblog
The chief organizer of the annual COPA Lagos Invitational Beach Soccer Tournament, Samson Adamu, on Thursday praised the Nigeria Football Federation for its huge support that has sustained the event for the past five years.
“I am really grateful for your very big support which has been huge in determining the success and growth of the COPA Lagos thus far. Without the NFF’s support, we would not have gotten anywhere.
“I am here to express deep appreciation for not only your support, but the physical presence of the NFF leadership at each edition over the past five years, which always gives us a great boost.”
Receiving the chief organizer, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi pledged that the Federation will continue to support the tournament in line with the present administration’s mission to develop all areas of the nation’s football sector.
“What you are doing is a noble thing. The present NFF administration wants to, more than ever before, use football to fight social vices by taking kids off the streets.
“The COPA Lagos event is an excellent innovation for beach soccer in this country and you have done a great job in sustaining it. We appreciate your efforts.”
As different teams converge in camp for the 2015 Copa Lagos Beach Soccer Tournament, starting on the 18th of December 2015, Hon Solomon Kwande the chairman of the Beach Soccer of the Nigerian Football Federation has said that the Super Sand Eagles is poised to win the tournament this year.
In the same vein, Isiaka Olawale, Captain of the Super Sand Eagles, believes that the 5-year experience of the team would set them aside this year.
Based on the antecedent of the team in previous Copa Lagos competition, Olawale said the Super Sand Eagles won the Copa Lagos beach soccer tournament for three consecutive years from 2011 -2013 but lost it to Cote D’Ivoire at the Fourth edition last year with a slim goal margin of 5 – 4.
Earlier in the year, the Super Sand Eagles defeated the Ivorian Beach Soccer Team twice at the World Cup African qualifiers that took place in Sychelles earlier in the year. Although, the team was defeated by the Senegalese Beach Soccer Team at the semi finals thus ending their quest for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup that took place in Portugal.
This year edition of Copa Lagos will feature FC Barcelona, Cote D’Ivoire, Lebanon Beach Soccer national team, Kano Pillars & Shooting Stars Football Club of Ibadan. There is also a line up of other national teams expected to partake in the tournament to be announced later.
The technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation and former Super Eagles Coach, Shaibu Amodu has doffed his hat to the breath taking initiatives of the CEO of Kinetic Sports, Samson Adamu for raising the stake in the development of beach soccer in Nigeria.
The Coach who was the key note speaker at the break fast Launch Of this year’s Copa Lagos event expressed his joy at the land mark achievements in the annals of sports development in the country.
Amodu Said: “First and foremost I feel honoured to be called upon to give the Key note address at the break fast Launch of Copa Lagos 2015 anniversary edition, I cant believe my impact as the first coach of the National beach soccer team the Super Sand Eagles about 10 years ago is still being remembered, I feeled honoured for the recognition given me to give the key note address and i also salute the visionary courage and assiduousness of kinetic sports Management on the development of the brand to a land mark achievement for five years”.
Amodu Shaibu also poured encomiums on FCMB, PEPSI and ORLEAN INVEST for their financial and material support of the brand COPA LAGOS for a Period of five years saying that this is worthy of emulations as a sports brand, the technical director said futher that “COPA LAGOS” will surely provide them the right platform to reach out not just to their Customers but to Nigerians across all segments of the economy seeing the fiesta as an initiative for the young and Old that cuts across all categories of people.
Lagos State has the potential and capacity to be the next sports and tourism destination with careful planning with the sustainability of the current approach to sports in the State. These are the words of Bolaji Yusuf, Facility Manager of Onikan and Campos Memorial Mini Stadium, Lagos.
Yusuf stated that sports in the state have gone through lots of transformation in the last 8 years through various developmental Programmes which has led to remarkable progress exemplified by the discovery and nurturing of so many talented youths.
He submitted that if this can be sustained with continuous monitoring and evaluation in the coming years, Lagos can continue to provide leadership in Sport development.
Yusuf who is also a member of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Beach and Futsal committee said that with proper usage of the existing facilities and provision of more of such across the state is capable of becoming a catalyst to economic and social development.
“Let us look at Beach soccer for example, if Lagos has a standard beach soccer stadium in either Badagry or Elegushi-Ikate area, who says Lagos cannot host the rest of Africa or even the World in beach soccer? At least we have seen that potential with Copa Lagos; meaning that Lagos can tap into the economic benefits of hosting such event. And don’t forget that the beach environment is always synonymous with tourism, so we will be attracting more attention to our beaches, while developing our sporting potentials in one swoop”. Yusuf noted.
Speaking on provision of facilities, He said Lagos should go the next step to developing sporting facilities in its schools to encourage more students participation in sports, giving room for a large pool of talents, while at the same time keep the Youth in school.
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.
EkoFootball beach Soccer Tournament 2014: Owibesebe BSC Crowned Champions
Its Beach Soccer season here in Lagos, Nigeria and the Lagos FA kicked off activities for the new beach soccer season with a one day tournament that had defending champions of the Eko Beach Soccer League Owibesebe BSC battle against Bridge Boys Beach Soccer Team, Young Strikers Beach Soccer Team and Pepsi Football Academy Beach Soccer Team in a Four Team Tournament that took place at the Elegushi Beach in Lagos.
The First game of the day was between Owibesebe BSC and the Young Strikers BSC. Owibesebe didn’t not hesitate to put the Young Strikers BSC to the sword.
Two Quick fire goals in the early minutes of the first period set the tone for the game as Owibesebe Confirmed their superiority over Young Strikers. The game eventually ended 6-1 in favor of the Boys from Badagry.
The second game was no less exciting as the Pepsi Football Academy BSC drew first Blood but were made to pay heavily for this by the Bridge Boys who went on rampage putting seven past the Pepsi Goalie. The game ended 7-3 in favor of the Bridge Boys and this victory qualified them for the finals of the one day event versus Owibesebe BSC while Young strikers were now to battle Pepsi Academy BSC in the 3rd place play-offs.
The third place match saw Young strikers defeat Pepsi Academy BSC 4-2 and this was definitely a marked improvement on the first games both team had earlier played.
The final game was everything a final game should be, as Bridge Boys BSC and Owibesebe BSC didn’t waste time to show the spectators what stuff they were made off. Bridge Boys were the first off the mark with a stunning goal that left the Owibesebe Goalie Sprawling, But the Boys Badagry showed the mettle they were made off when they fought back from a goal down to level scores and eventually score one more to emerge champions of the EkoFootball Beach Soccer Tournament.
A couple Off dignitaries were on hand to grace the occasion, chief among whom was the Commisioner of Sports Lagos State, Enitan Oshodi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Football Matters Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, First Vice Chairman Nigeria Football Federation And Chairman Lagos FA Seyi Akinwunmi, Vice Chairman Lagos FA Tade Azeez just to mention a few.
The Attention of Beach Soccer Lovers will now switch to the Eko Atlantic Beach, Venue of the Annual International Copa Lagos Beach Soccer Championship which Kicks Off on the 12th of December through to the 14th of December 2014.
The 2nd Season of the EkoFootball Beach Soccer League is expected to commence after the Copa Lagos International Beach Soccer Tournament
We’ve added few pictures from the 1 day tournament below:
Ahead of the 2014 Copa Lagos kick-off, Super Sand Eagles are expected to commence intensive training on Wednesday in Badagry, Lagos.
Disclosing this, the Coach of Super Sand Eagles, Adamu Ejor, said “it is going to be a tough camping exercise because the team has a lot of ground to cover before the commencement of matches. We are going to start camping from Wednesday and I can assure you that it will be a challenge since we have just eight days before the tournament starts.”
He added that “the players know each other well and this would act as an advantage. These are players that I have worked with for years and we understand ourselves.”
As defending champions; the Coach reiterated his full commitment to ensuring the squad are fit and ready ahead of the 12th December kick off, “we need to retain the trophy at the end of the competition,” Ejor concluded.
Chairman of the NFF Marketing, Sponsorship and Television Advisory Committee, High Chief Emeka Inyama and three other eminent Nigerians have been invited by the Confederation of African Football to play important roles at the 30th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Equatorial Guinea.
NFF President, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, was earlier appointed member of the Organising Committee for the championship, which will be staged in four Equatorial Guinean cities 17th January – 8th February next year.
Also invited is Etubom Paul Bassey, who served blamelessly on the CAF Media Committee for several years before becoming a General Coordinator. He will serve as a Security Officer at the tournament.
Screen diva and respected administrator, Aisha Falode, who like Inyama is a member of the CAF Media Committee, will serve as media coordinator during the three–week, 16–nation party, like Inyama.
Samson Adamu, the organiser of the annual COPA Lagos Invitational Beach Soccer Tournament, will be an Assistant General Coordinator in Equatorial Guinea.
Stationary Stores puts League debacle behind, Banks on Copa Lagos Beach Soccer to set reforms,Team’s in 2 weeks camping so Far – Adetilewa Adebanjo
Adetilewa Adebajo the chairman Stationary Stores Football Club of Lagos has told COPA LAGOS MEDIA CHANNEL that his team the flaming Flamingoes of lagos are set to make the best use of the forth coming Beach Soccer tournament being put together by Kinetic Sports to set reforms and re-structure the darling team of Lagos not withstanding the debacle experienced by the team at the 2013/14 NNL league.
The Chairman who stated the his desires to reposition the team says the team will be back to its rightful positions in the annals of Nigerian football system.
Adebajo lamented that the late inclusion of Stores in the just concluded professional league season, but believes with the new efforts of the management team in making sure their campaign at the forth coming Beach Soccer tournament where Stores will be playing in the Barcelona challenge alongside another house hold name in Nigerian Football and four times league champions Enyimba of Aba will go along way in setting some reforms for the players and their ever supporting fans of the darling team of Lagos.
The chairman who is basking in the euphoria of the team’s 2 weeks camping exercise with some selected beach soccer players so far at the Eko resort center at the Eleko beach under the technical supervision of Ex-Eagles goal keeper and captain Peter Rufai and the house to house rejuvenation of the fans who are putting in place various support activites for Stationary Stores ahead of the Barcelona challenge.
Adebajo also affirmed that Stationery Stores will be fully back in no distant time to the Apex of the Nigerian league.
Kinetic Sports, organizers of Copa Lagos, are pleased to announce Enyimba Football Club’s participation in The FC Barcelona Club Challenge at this year’s edition of Copa Lagos.
Copa Lagos, Nigeria’s highly entertaining international beach soccer festival will hold this year at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 12th to 14th December 2014.
Enyimba FC, the Aba-based, two-time African Champions, will compete against other premium Nigerian clubs, including Stationery Stores, in The Club Challenge.
The sign up of Enyimba FC was announced by the CEO of Kinetic Sports, Samson Adamu, during the signing ceremony with Enyimba FC Chairman, Mr. Felix Anyasi.
Adamu said “We are delighted to have one of the biggest clubs in Africa and a key ambassador help to place beach soccer on the Nigerian Football calendar.
Enyimba is a global export and a very special Nigerian one at that.
The idea of Enyimba FC and FC Barcelona, another recent signing, trading tackles on Nigerian soil, fills many of us with great excitement.
I personally look forward to the prospect. We are headed for a very exciting 2014 event. The best ever”
Anyasi added “Having conquered African football, it is another opportunity to break another ground in beach soccer. As a new innovation, we are extremely exciting about it…”
Earlier in the month, Copa Lagos announced the participation of FC Barcelona Beach Soccer team at this year’s event. The famous Spanish giant will play three of the biggest Nigerian clubs including Enyimba FC.
The event also added 1960Bet as the lead sponsor and Eko Energy Estate under Orlean Invest as venue sponsors. FCMB remains the longest serving sponsors of Copa Lagos since its inception.
Founded in 2011, Copa Lagos is organized under the aegis of Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) World Tour – the FIFA-recognized entity behind the creation and growth of Beach Soccer, and aims to have a strategic role in development of beach soccer in Nigeria.
For more information about the 2014 edition, visit “http://www.copalagos.com” http://www.copalagos.com or follow Copa Lagos on Twitter @CopaLagosBS and/or Facebook – HYPERLINK “http://www.facebook.com/copalagosbs” http://www.facebook.com/copalagosbs
Kinetic Sports, organizers of Copa Lagos – the first ever international beach soccer event in Nigeria and in all Sub-Saharan Africa have announced plans for its 4th edition which will hold from the 12th to 14th December 2014 at the dynamic Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos – Nigeria.
Founded in 2011, Copa Lagos is organized under the scope of Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) World Tour – the FIFA-recognized entity behind the creation and growth of Beach Soccer, and aims to have a strategic role in development of beach soccer in Nigeria.
Since launching the first Copa Lagos three years ago, expert participation from the sports industry has increased remarkably, and is projected to be even greater at the 2014 edition.
The three-day event will be the prime family event that celebrates every sphere of life ranging from music, fashion, to entrepreneurship and sports – a complete package for every member of the family.
Kinetic sport is delighted to announce the participation of FC Barcelona Beach Soccer team at this year’s event.
The famous Spanish giant will play three (3) of the biggest Nigerian clubs including Stationary Stores in a FC Barcelona Challenge.
Furthermore, the Super Sand Eagles will be defending their title against some of the best beach soccer National teams in the world in a tournament that will feature Switzerland, Cote D’ivore and final surprise team we would be announcing later.
The competition will be played in a Round-Robin format (League Format), allowing in this way the opportunity for each team to prove themselves against all participants during the three days of competition.
More than a sports event, Copa Lagos is a lifestyle. The competition’s venue will be the centre of attention in Lagos during the event dates.
Beach soccer fans will be offered a varied range of activities, fashion shows and music concerts, which will bring rhythm and passion to one of the most populous cities in Africa.
Set to exemplify as an event in a class of its own, Copa Lagos 2014 will offer fans of soccer, music and fashion an opportunity to experience sensational fun on the beach.
newfanzone 