Former Nigeria Super Eagles stars, Victor Ikpeba and Mutiu Adepoju, have applauded the rising standards of Beach Soccer in Nigeria.

The duo who were at the 2016 Copa Lagos Beach Soccer tournament thanked the organizers for providing a veritable means for local talents to showcase their potentials.

Adepoju in a chat with PREMIUM TIMES stated that he is happy that outside the ‘grass’ football, Nigeria is also creating a niche for itself on the sands.

“I want to commend the organisers of the Copa Lagos; Beach Soccer is getting more popular in Nigeria with this initiative by Samson (Adamu) and Kinetic Sports,” Adepoju who starred in the celebrity game stated.

On his part, former African Footballer of the Year Ikpeba noted that this year’s Copa Lagos has served as a right appetizer for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations which begin in Lagos this week.

The Copa Lagos which is growing into one of the main end of year sporting activities in Nigeria was well attended as fans thronged the sun-bathed Eko Atlantic City, venue.

The first match of the 2016 edition saw Pepsi Football Academy beach team defeat the Enyimba beach soccer team 6 – 5.

PFA youngster, Ajao Adams Adebayo, was named as the Most Valuable Player, MVP, of the match.

Also there was a celebrity game in which Team Ikpeba came from behind to snatch victory over the entertainers, playing with the name Team D’Banj.

Team Ikpeba had an array of ex-internationals including Mutiu Adepoju, Ifeanyi Udeze, Victor Agali, goalkeeper Alloy Agu and former Shooting stars legend Akanni.

Also on the stands was the governor of Lagos Akinwunmi Ambode among other dignitaries.

Even though the Super Sand Eagles of Nigeria lost 3-8 to Switzerland, many fans still went home smiling having concluded that the team is saving energy for the Nations Cup proper.