The Kaduna State Government has received high praise from sports administrators for providing world-class infrastructure at Murtala Muhammed Square, positioning the state to potentially host upcoming continental beach soccer fixtures.
In an interview following the conclusion of the regular season's second round phase, Mahmud Hadeja, the President of the African Beach Soccer Union and National Coordinator of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL), heavily commended the state government and the Kaduna Beach Soccer Association. He pointed to upgraded amenities, including a brand-new lighting system that successfully allowed the league to introduce night games, as a testament to the venue's quality.
With the domestic round concluded, Hadeja revealed that discussions are already underway regarding international opportunities, noting that Kaduna is being considered to host the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) beach soccer qualifiers.
"Kaduna has done it before, so why not a second time?" Hadeja stated in the file named "BEACH PRESIDENT.aac", adding that the venue boasts one of the most unique and premier beach soccer arenas on the entire African continent.
Major Shakeup in the Title Race
The high-quality facilities set the stage for dramatic on-field action, which saw a major shift in the league's hierarchy. Four teams have officially qualified for the postseason and are now set to battle for the league title in the upcoming Super Four playoffs in Abuja, while traditional powerhouses suffered shocking exits.
Most notably, the defending champions, Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors, failed to qualify for the final phase.
"I told the defending champions in Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors this morning: you cannot have it your way all the time," Hadeja reflected in the file named "BEACH PRESIDENT.aac". "Nobody is a loser here; we're all winners. We're here to win together, and we've seen much, much improved games and quality of play."
The Standings and Playoff Lineup
This season marks the sixth edition of the national league, a competition historically dominated by Kebbi Fishers BSC, who won the crown in 2021, 2023, and 2024. Kada BSC and Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors emerged as champions in 2022 and 2025 respectively.
The 2022 champions, Kada BSC, dominated the 2026 regular season, topping the log with 16 points after six matches. They will head to the Abuja playoffs as the only undefeated team in the competition.
Three-time league winners and Africa’s top-ranked team, Kebbi Fishers BSC, finished the phase in second place with 13 points—sitting four points ahead of third-placed Niger BSC. Ibom BSC secured the fourth and final playoff spot with six points.
Conversely, three teams fell short of qualification. Jigawa Golden Stars and BAM Projects BSC were eliminated after securing four points each. In the biggest upset of the tournament, the holders, Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors, bottomed out the standings, finishing their campaign with just one point.
Youth and Women’s Progressions
Alongside the senior fixtures, the Kaduna event successfully concluded the newly introduced Under-17 youth tournament. Supported by the African Beach Soccer Union and the NBSL, the developmental program is designed to build technical and tactical skills in younger athletes. Hadeja emphasized that at this stage of growth, player development remains more vital than match results.
Looking forward to the final championship phase in Abuja, Hadeja also confirmed that a full women's beach soccer tournament will be officially integrated into the schedule, building upon the momentum of last season's exhibition match.