12th October, 2017
Abu Azeez, a star player of the Super Sand Eagles, the national beach soccer team, on Thursday said he still prefered playing football on the pitch to playing on the beach.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 23-year-old was recently nominated as one of the top 50 players for the FIFA Beach Soccer Best Player of the Year Award.
Azeez who started his career with the defunct Lagos-based Julius Berger FC told NAN in Abuja that playing on the pitch was more valued across the globe than on the sand.
He however said he was motivated by his environment to start playing the game in 2009.
“I think my environment motivated me, because I grew up around the beach and sandy area.
“Lots of my mates then were playing football on the beach so I followed. It was fun at first, but later it became a passion.
“So, it wasn’t also difficult for me to move from pitch football to beach soccer, because I have been used to playing on sand.
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“The difference for me is just to pull or put on my boots. But, I still prefer pitch football because it is valued in the world more than beach soccer,” he said.
Reflecting on his nomination, Azeez said it was a going to serve as a source of encouragement for him.
“I feel so happy, motivated and encouraged because the nomination came at a time I thought I was only playing for fun. I was almost giving up, but I thank God for this, ” Azeez said.
At the FIFA World Cup in April at Bahamas, Azeez scored three goals in Nigeria’s opening game against Italy.
A wonder strike by Azeez against Mexico was nominated for the Goal of the Tournament at the Beach Soccer World Cup where the team lost out in the group stage.