“I Have Absolute Confidence in These Players” — Ikpeme Backs Sand Eagles to Overturn Ghana Setback and Qualify for AFCON

Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has expressed strong confidence that Nigeria’s Sand Eagles will overcome Ghana in the return leg of their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, despite being held to a 3-3 draw in Kaduna.

Ikpeme acknowledged Ghana’s determination in the opening encounter but insisted that Nigeria possess the quality and fighting spirit required to secure qualification away from home.

“Ghana came here with clear focus and goal, and they succeeded. You could see the hunger, you could see the determination, you could see the fighting spirit. They had it,” Ikpeme said.

However, the NFF official maintained that the Sand Eagles are equally capable of producing a strong performance when the teams meet again.

“But I believe that our players can equally do the same. It’s not yet over,” he declared.

Ikpeme explained that the first-leg draw leaves the contest open, giving Nigeria an opportunity to approach the return fixture with renewed determination.

“Now we are going there on a clean slate. I have spoken to the players, and they gave me their word that when they go to Ghana, they will do that which everybody expects,” he stated.

He stressed that the players had assured him of their commitment to displaying the intensity needed to turn the tie around.

“The fighting spirit, the commitment will be there,” Ikpeme added.

Nigeria are seeking a place at the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, with the return encounter against Ghana’s Black Sharks set to determine which side advances.

Despite the disappointment of surrendering home advantage, Ikpeme believes the players have the mentality to respond positively.

“I believe and I have absolute confidence in these players that if they go there and do that which they promised to do, there’s no way we will not qualify for this AFCON,” he said.

“So I am positive that they will turn around the table.”

For Ikpeme, the qualification race remains wide open, and Nigeria’s hopes rest on reproducing the determination Ghana displayed in Kaduna when the Sand Eagles travel for the decisive second leg.