The Ambassador of Beach Soccer in Nigeria, Isiaka Olawale has advocated for the construction of definite stadia for the game across the country, instead of having to erect make-shift pitches anytime the need arises to have Beach Soccer leagues.
Speaking to newsmen at the draw ceremony ahead of the commencement of the 2022season first round of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League ongoing in Ilorin, Kwara state, the Captain of the national side said that the move will also assist in spreading the gospel of Beach Soccer to all the nooks and crannies of the country.
Olawale, who is among the few players with longest playing period in the Nigerian league, and a pioneer member of the Beach Soccer in Nigeria commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for supporting the sport, and as well, the Coordinator of the League, Mahmuh Hadejia and his crew for keeping the flag flying, by sustaining the organization of the league.
While also acknowledging the rapid growth of the game, going by the numbers of clubs that are participating in the league, the former Kwara United playmaker also commended the technical officials for ensuring that the standard is maintained and sustained, even as he called for more competitions, asides the league.
He however, charged the Association to always imbibe the teachings of the laws of the game for players and officials before the league, to allow for the required depth in the development of the sport.
He recalled that Nigerian team participated in its first African championship without having the full knowledge of the game, but had the advantage of learning from the first three game they watched at the championship, before playing the fourth, adding that that was also possible because they have experienced players who learnt fast.
After the draw, which was conducted by the Technical Director, Abdullahi Issa, Kada BSC, Smart City BSC, Niger BSC, Igbogbo Kingdom BSC and Galaxy BSC fell in Group A, while the defending champions, Kebbi BSC drew hosts Kwara BSC, Nmanko Patigi BSC, Kogi BSC and Badagry Warriors BSC in Group B.
Isiaka Olawale, who later turned up in the colours of Nmanko Patigi Beach Soccer Club in the league said that the gesture was to encourage the upcoming players.
The first round league ends on Saturday.