Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025: A Season of Thrills and Redemption

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As the sand settles on another exhilarating campaign, the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 prepares for its grand finale at Jabi Lake Park in Abuja from 6th to 9th November. The fifth edition of this rapidly growing competition has delivered drama, records, and unforgettable moments that have reaffirmed beach soccer’s place in Nigeria’s sporting landscape.

 

A League Reborn

The Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 represents more than just a sporting competition; it embodies the revival of a beloved game that disappeared from Nigeria’s international radar after the 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay. Under the stewardship of National Coordinator Mahmud Hadejia, who also serves as President of the African Beach Soccer Union, the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 has become what many consider the best-run beach soccer league on the African continent.

Eight teams embarked on this journey when the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 kicked off on 31st March in Birnin Kebbi: defending champions Kebbi Fishers BSC, Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors, Kebbi United BSC, Kada BSC from Kaduna State, Nmanko Patigi BSC from Kwara State, Jigawa Golden Star BSC, Ibom BSC from Akwa Ibom State, and Niger BSC. The competition’s structure, featuring three preliminary rounds across Kebbi, Kaduna, and Anambra States, has ensured that beach soccer reaches communities nationwide, building grassroots support and talent identification.

 

Round One: Champions Flex Their Muscles

The Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 began with spectacular football in Birnin Kebbi, where the competition’s opening round coincided with the Ramadan Sallah celebrations and the 10-year anniversary of hosts Kebbi Fishers BSC. The festive atmosphere proved the perfect backdrop for thrilling encounters.

Defending champions Kebbi Fishers maintained their dominance throughout the first stanza, securing a perfect nine points from three matches. Their performances showcased why they’ve claimed three titles in the past four Nigerian Beach Soccer League editions. The Fishers’ attacking prowess was on full display, particularly in their 9-3 demolition of Ibom BSC, where multiple players found the back of the net.

However, the most remarkable story from Round One belonged to Kada BSC, the 2022 champions. The Kaduna-based side made history by becoming the first team in the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 to have eight outfield players score goals after just two matches, achieving this milestone during a commanding 7-0 victory over Niger BSC. Their campaign began with a statement-making 10-3 thrashing of Kebbi United BSC, setting the tone for what would become a perfect first round.

By the conclusion of Round One, Kada BSC topped Group B with nine points, whilst Kebbi Fishers led Group A with an identical tally. The form of both teams sent a clear message: the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 title race would be fiercely contested.

 

The Warriors Rising

The most compelling narrative of the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 has been the continued emergence of Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors. Following an impressive debut season in 2024, which saw them finish as runners-up, the Warriors recruited several new players to bolster their squad for another title challenge.

Their performances in the opening round justified that ambition. Led by talisman Emeka Ogbonna, a key member of Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles squad, the Warriors demonstrated attacking flair and defensive resilience. They finished Round One in second place in Group A with four points, trailing only the formidable Kebbi Fishers.

Speaking ahead of the Super Finals, Ogbonna declared confidently, “Last year, we came second from an underdog position. This year, with the preparation we’ve put in place, we believe we will be crowned champions of the 2025 Nigeria Beach Soccer League.” His words reflect a team that has transformed from a surprise package to a genuine title contender.

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Goals Galore and Record Breakers

High-scoring encounters and individual brilliance have characterised the Nigerian Beach Soccer League in 2025. Kada BSC set a league record for the highest number of goals scored after two games, netting 17 times. This achievement was marked by a 10-3 victory over Kebbi United BSC, followed by a 7-0 demolition of Niger BSC. Remarkably, they were also the only team yet to concede a goal after the second matchday. Eight different outfield players found the net across these two matches, demonstrating the attacking depth that makes them such dangerous opponents in the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025.

Individual performances have also shone through. Agemo Samuel of Nmanko Patigi BSC produced a memorable display despite his team’s struggles, scoring four goals in a match against Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors. Although his efforts couldn’t prevent defeat, his skill exemplified the quality on display throughout the 2025 Nigerian Beach Soccer League campaign.

The attacking football hasn’t been one-sided. Fans have been captivated by the match-winning performances of Anambra’s Ogbonna, Kebbi Fishers’ Hassan Abdullahi, and Badmus Fuad, as well as numerous other players.

 

Institutional Support and Vision

The Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 has benefited from unwavering institutional backing. Nigeria Football Federation President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau emphasised the importance of public and corporate support ahead of the Super Finals, stating, “We have to call on all well-meaning Nigerians, especially football lovers and corporate Nigerians, to support the NBSL Finals.”

NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi praised the competition’s management, particularly commending Hadejia and acknowledging the support of the Kebbi State Government and local football associations. He noted that football and beach soccer serve purposes beyond mere recreation; they combat social vices and create employment opportunities for Nigerian youth.

This strategic vision extends to the national team. President Gusau clarified that the federation’s three-year-old decision to establish a robust domestic structure before resuming international competition has begun to yield results, as the Super Sand Eagles now recruit players from the 2025 Nigerian Beach Soccer League. This approach ensures that Nigeria’s international representatives are battle-tested and competitive.

 

The Road to Jabi Lake Park

The Super Finals, initially scheduled for December in Akwa Ibom State, were relocated to Jabi Lake Park’s sand arena in Abuja for the 6th-9th November dates. This venue change has generated excitement, bringing the showpiece event to Nigeria’s capital city, where it can attract greater attention and attendance.

The top teams from both groups will converge for what promises to be a spectacular finale to the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 season. Beyond the competitive matches, the event will feature a charity and cancer awareness match involving celebrities, former footballers, entertainers, and beach soccer legends, demonstrating the competition’s commitment to social responsibility.

 

Favourites and Dark Horses

As the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 approaches its climax, several narratives have emerged. Kebbi Fishers BSC entered as defending champions and the most successful club in the competition’s history, having won three of the four previous editions. Their experience, home support throughout much of the season, and squad depth make them formidable opponents.

Kada BSC captain Victor Tale issued a bold declaration ahead of the finals: “We will not lose this opportunity again to Kebbi Fishers BSC. They are our rivals, and everyone has buckled up to ensure that this season’s title belongs to Kada BSC.” His team’s perfect record in Round One and their devastating attacking displays suggest this isn’t empty rhetoric.

Meanwhile, Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors represent perhaps the most intriguing proposition. Their runner-up finish last year provides valuable experience, and their recruitment drive has added quality and depth. Ogbonna’s assertion that there are no favourites at this stage reflects the competitive balance that has made the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 so compelling.

 

Beyond the Sand

The Nigerian Beach Soccer League’s significance in 2025 extends beyond trophies and titles. Players and officials have praised the competition for its role in developing talent and raising the profile of beach soccer both nationally and internationally, with particular gratitude expressed towards NFF President Gusau and coordinator Hadejia.

President Gusau’s commitment to seeing Nigeria return to continental and global beach soccer prominence, competing at the Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations and FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, depends heavily on the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 continuing to provide a strong domestic foundation.

The competition has also demonstrated beach soccer’s capacity to unite communities. From the Sallah celebrations in Kebbi to the anticipated carnival atmosphere at Jabi Lake Park, the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 has shown that this fast-paced, high-scoring variant of football can captivate Nigerian audiences.

 

The Final Countdown

As the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 prepares for its Super Finals, several questions remain unanswered. Can Kebbi Fishers extend their dynasty and claim a fourth title? Will Kada BSC’s attacking prowess carry them to glory? Or will Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors complete their journey from debutants to champions?

Adding intrigue to the Kebbi Fishers-Kada BSC rivalry, captain Victor Tale will face his younger brother Godwin Tale, who serves as Kebbi Fishers’ goalkeeper, creating a compelling family subplot to the title race.

What’s certain is that the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 has already succeeded in its broader mission. It has revived a sport, created opportunities for young Nigerians, and established a sustainable structure that can support the national team’s ambitions. The scenes at Jabi Lake Park from 6th to 9th November will serve as both a celebration of this season’s achievements and a launchpad for beach soccer’s continued growth in Nigeria.

The sand is ready. The teams are prepared. The Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 is about to deliver its most thrilling chapter yet. For fans of fast-paced, skilful football, the league is unmissable entertainment. For Nigerian sport, it represents the successful revival of a discipline with immense potential. The final whistle on this campaign will sound soon, but for beach soccer in Nigeria, this feels like just the beginning of something special.

Game on: follow Nigeria’s sports journey and discover the stories behind the wins on Rex Clarke Adventures.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When and where are the Nigerian Beach Soccer League 2025 Super Finals?

The Super Finals will take place from November 6th to 9th, 2025, at Jabi Lake Park in Abuja.

2. Which teams are competing in the finals?

Eight teams are competing: defending champions Kebbi Fishers BSC, Kada BSC, Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors, Kebbi United BSC, Nmanko Patigi BSC, Jigawa Golden Star BSC, Ibom BSC, and Niger BSC.

3. Who is the favourite to win the Nigerian Beach Soccer League in 2025?

Kebbi Fishers BSC (three-time champions), Kada BSC (who topped their group with a perfect record), and Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors (2024 runners-up) are the leading contenders for the title.

4. How many editions of the NBSL have been held?

The 2025 edition is the fifth season of the Nigerian Beach Soccer League.

5. Who organises the Nigerian Beach Soccer League for 2025?

The league is organised under the Nigeria Football Federation, with National Coordinator Mahmud Hadejia, who also serves as President of the African Beach Soccer Union.