Nahimah Ajikanle Nurudeen
As preparations continue for the 2016 edition of the annual global beach soccer event on 11th December 2016, COPA Lagos, Kinetic Sports, organisers of national tournament has said that its dream is for the country to host FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup by 2022.
Speaking at a pre-event press conference at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, the Managing Director of COPA Lagos, Samson Adamu said the event which caters to all ages will take place at the Eko Atlantic City.
According to him, the COPA Lagos 2016 which will begin with a Grand Reception and end with an After Party, promises to be the most prominent event where guests will experience a unique and exclusive beach lifestyle including, a fashion show and celebrity entertainment.
Adamu explained that this year’s event will feature three matches namely, the Club Challenge between Enyimba FC and the Pepsi Football Academy, a Celebrity Match between Super Eagles Ex Internationals and popular Nigerian celebrities.
He said the final game will be between the Nigerian beach soccer team, the Super Sand Eagles and the National beach soccer team of Switzerland, led by Dejan Stankovic, 2016’s beach top soccer scorer in the world, with 63 goals in 28 matches.
He stated that this year’s edition is a one day event because of the upcoming CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations tournament which also serves as the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualifier for Africa.
He said, “Our dream is to make Copa Lagos bigger than just a beach football tournament, and a major spectacle that will put Nigeria in the global tourism space and promote beach lifestyle in Lagos. COPA Lagos is not just about soccer. It’s a family event where we expect our guests to have a fun-filled experience on the beach.”
According to him, the soccer since 2011 it started, has moved from being the first ever international beach soccer event in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to being one of the most attended sporting events in the region.
He said, “We are proud to say this year’s edition of the tournament will be more exciting than the previous ones as we have diversified our scope beyond beach soccer games. We have an excellent line-up of events that will showcase Lagos as a great tourism and beach destination. We are keen to use this event to showcase and support the ever increasing Nigerian music and entertainment Industry.”
Adamu listed some activities line up for this year’s COPA Lagos tournament to include Grand Reception, Media Tour, Club Tour, After Party, Fashion Show, Flash Mob, Ride With Me, and an After Party.
