Nigeria can become beach soccer giants – Abu Azeez

March 21, 2015

 

Abu Azeez

Super Sand Eagles and Warri Wolves forward, Abu Azeez, has been representing Nigeria in beach soccer since 2009. In this interview with IDRIS ADESINA, the former Kwara United player speaks about beach soccer in Nigeria

How far do you think Warri Wolves can go in the CAF Confederation Cup?

I have played continental football for two years. This is my third time.I believe that we have a good team. We are ready to compete against any team on the continent. We will go far in the tournament.

You also play beach soccer. What is the difference between the two? Which do you prefer?

I prefer playing normal   football because it is more popular than beach soccer. It has more fans than the other one. Beach soccer is not popular in Africa. Playing on grass is easier than playing on the beach. Beach soccer is more of a game played for fun. Until it is popular on the continent, many footballers will not embrace it. The difference between the two is just the surface. I believe that if you are good at beach soccer, it will reflect on your performance in normal football. It builds your stamina and makes you stronger and helps you in decision-making.

How would you describe your experience since you started playing for the Sand Eagles in 2009?

The experience has been very great. Playing with the likes of Isiaka Olawale, Mosquito, Ogbonnaya Okemiri and Abdul Isa is a great experience. They were the big names in the team back then. They are still great players.

With their encouragement, I was able to get into the team.

Ever since then, I have become part and parcel of the team as well as a household name in beach soccer in the country.

Last year, Nigeria lost in the final of Copa Lagos to Ivory Coast.

Before the 2014 Copa Lagos, I said that we might not be able to defend our title because our poor preparation for the tournament. The story was the same as in 2013 when we won the title by luck. I knew this could not continue for too long because when other countries were preparing for competition, we were not in camp.

Ivory Coast, who eventually won the competition, camped for up to two months. But we camped for a few days ahead of the competition.

Nigeria have not progressed beyond the quarterfinals of the Beach Soccer World Cup. Why?

We had a good squad for the 2011 World Cup in Italy. We had a little problem on our way to our training camp in Faroe, Portugal. Three key players – myself and two others, who I can’t remember now, had visa problems. Therefore, the team had to travel with nine players instead of the 12 registered for the tournament. We lost to Brazil in the quarterfinals. I believe that the team would have done better with a full squad in Italy.

The Africa Beach Soccer Championship will take place in Seychelles, what are your expectations?

Having placed third at the Power Horse Invitational in South Africa, I believe that with adequate preparation, we can do well at the competition.

We have the players to do it but the preparation is the greatest problem affecting us. If we can begin preparation early for it, we will perform.   Morocco for instance, have since been preparing for the tournament.

Do you think the Sand Eagles have been given a fair treatment in comparison to the Super Eagles?

The Sand Eagles have not been fairly treated when compared with the Super Eagles. For instance, we may be in camp for days and we will not have the things needed to keep us going. Before leaving the country for tournaments, nobody discusses with us about bonuses. After the competition stipends will be paid into our accounts. That one does not even come on time. We play for the love of the game not because of what we are paid or what we get. So, the gap between the Super Eagles and us in really wide.

You have two African titles to your name in beach soccer; would you consider that as your best achievements?

My best achievements in football have not been those two titles. I say so because beach soccer is not popular in the country. Even on the world stage, you discover that African countries are not reckoned with. So for now, I have yet to achieve what I am aiming at.

The likes of Okemiri Ogbonaya have been left out of the squad for the African championship. Do you think his absence can affect the team?

The coach (Adamu Audu) has his reasons for leaving them and other experienced players out of the squad. But I believe he will invite them later. Their absence may affect the balance in the team a little because the new players still have to learn the ropes.

The FIFA Beach World Cup is also coming up this year in Portugal, what is your target?

My target for the World Cup is to get as far as possible with the team. That is beyond the quarterfinals.

What are your best and worst moments as a footballer?

My best moment was when I went to the Morocco 2013 beach soccer and emerged as the highest goal scorer. In grass football, my best moment was when I scored the lone goal against Racing Club Bobo Dioulasso in our first leg CAF Confederations Cup match.

The worst moment so far was when I had problems with Kwara United and I was asked to leave. It was not easy watching my teammates playing every week while I was without a club.

How do you think the challenges facing beach soccer in Nigeria can be solved?

Beach soccer is suffering from a lack of attention. When the Nigeria Football Federation pays more attention to the growth of beach soccer in the country, It will grow to enviable heights. I believe Nigeria have the talents to become a great team in beach soccer. But, that can only happen if the interest of the sport is in the hearts of our administrators. There are many talents in the country and if they are called upon, they are ready to give their all for the game.

You were the MVP of Copa Lagos for two consecutive years, how does it feel losing the award to another player last year?

I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep the award. I was not fit for the tournament at all. I was just recovering from an injury and I played less games. I was not disappointed when I lost it.

Who has been the toughest defender you played against?

That will be Chinedu Udoji (of Enyimba). He is a no-nonsense defender.

What are your plans for retirement from the game?

My plans for retirement are really on track and I have bigger plans for life after football.

What is your impression of the Nigeria Premier League?

The league is really growing and improving. The development needs to be commended as we can count the number of players leaving for professional football abroad. If the tempo can be sustained, we will soon get there.

What is your advice for up-and-coming footballers?

They should be strong and focused on what they are doing. Players want to travel abroad but they should be careful of the contracts they sign with any team abroad. They should not be desperate to travel rather they should concentrate on developing themselves.