2016 Africa Beach Soccer Nation Cup: Ex-Sand Eagles Star Urges Early Preparation

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Abu Azeez has reaffirmed his decision to quit the Super Sand Eagles but took out time to advice the the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on early preparation for major tournament.

Azeez, whose seven years with the Super Sand Eagles earned him 50 caps and appearances at the Beach Soccer World Cup, Caf Championship and international tournaments, maintained that he would rather focus on his soccer career.

“No one is getting younger and the importance to track one’s future plans is very important. Beach Soccer in Nigeria is an interesting game but I think it’s important that I focus more on my soccer career, ” Azeez told Goal.

The former Warri Wolves player who moved to Enyimba the start of the season however offered important advice to the NFF

“Though I’ve quit the national beach soccer team but they still remain my family. My country comes first in everything I do and I still feel I can offer suggestions too,” he added.

“We are six months away from the African Beach soccer championship and it’s very important that the team prepare and build an understanding within themselves.

” At the moment Nigeria is trying to build a new team since most of the experience players aren’t with the team. So it’s key that Nigeria starts preparation in good time. I have friends from other countries who play professional beach soccer at clubs abroad which isn’t inexistence in Nigeria.

“Because there isn’t a beach soccer league in Nigeria players are invited from the regular soccer two weeks to a major tournament to come and play beach soccer. So I really think early preparation will help the team gel ahead of the African championship which serves as world Cup qualifier.

The Enyimba forward called time on his spell with Adamu Ejor’s side after playing over 50 times in a career spanning seven years and included appearances at the 2009 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai, two Caf Beach Soccer Championship and five Copa Lagos Championships.

Nigeria has been chosen by Confederation of African Football to host the 2016 Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations.