By Busayo Olowookere

Sand Rangers Anegbette on Wednesday emerged winners of the 2022 Edo State Beach Soccer Championship after defeating Buffalos Okpela 10-3 in the final match played inside the beach soccer Anegbette community, Etsako central local government of Edo state.

The Anegbette Rangers tutored by Coach Moses Ogu hit the ground running from the blast of the whistle to dictate the pace of the game as they sealed up the first period by 3 -1.

On resuming into the 2nd period, Buffalo Okpela Beach Soccer Club thought they have found their mojo as they gave out a fight only for them to be blown away by the Anegbette Rangers BSC who extended their lead by 4 goals to finish the 2nd period by 7goals to 4.

In the final period, Sand Rangers of Anegbette BSC ran riots over Okpela Buffalos BSC to the delights of thousands of fans who came out to watch the game of Beach soccer which has been used as a mini festival in the Anegbette clan.

Anegbette United BSC were awarded 3 goals to nil as they walked over Egbaigbai BSC who didn`t show up as at the time of the kick off.

Responding to questions from journalists who were on ground to cover the tournament, President of the Africa Beach Soccer Union (ABSU) Mahmud Hadejia described the tournament as a very important one as the game of beach soccer is the fastest growing sport in the world. He gave kudos to the brain behind Edo State Beach Soccer tournament, Chief Francis Osigbemhe Awoefe as a man who is committed and dedicated to see Beach Soccer as good way to motivate his community.

“I must tell you that this is my first time in Anegbette Community and what brought me here is Beach Soccer courtesy of my brother here Mr Francis Awoefe, He has placed the clan of Anegbette on the world map today because the world was watching from the livestream portal. I want to appreciate him and we hope that very soon national engagement will be coming to this place”. Mahmud Hadejia concluded

On his part, Chief Francis Awoefe appreciated everyone who came out to be part of this year’s edition of the Beach Soccer Tournament to make it a success.

“I saw the game of Beach Soccer at the COPA Lagos in 2011 and I decided that I will make it a project for my people and look at where we are today it has served as festival for my people and it has help to take away social vices, communities have come together in harmony to be part of this years edition”.

Champions Sand Rangers Anegbette BSC went home with a trophy and ₦300,000 with Buffalos Okpela BSC carting away ₦150,000 as 1st runner up, Anegbette BSC who finished as 2nd runners up went home ₦100,000.

Top dignitaries who graced the final are representative of the Oliola of Anegbete and Clan Head of South Uneme His Royal Highness Godfrey Yakubu Momodu (GYM) Ugbodaga , President of the African Beach Soccer Union Mahmud Hadejia, Chief Francis Osigbemhe MD/CEO Habital Care Foundation and many more.