Debutant stuns defending champions as 2023 Nigeria Beach Soccer League kicks off  

By Olusola Adebayo

The third season of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL) kicked off on Saturday, April 22, in Kebbi with debutant, Kebbi United Beach Soccer Club (BSC) stunned defending champion Kada Beach Soccer Club of Kaduna as Nmanko Patigi BSC recorded opening day victory. 

In the first match of the day, Kebbi United BSC (a new team in the league and the second club from Kebbi State) secured a 9-8 win over defending Champions, Kada BSC.

Kebbi United BSC won two of three periods 4-2, 0-3, 5-3 to earn a goal win against the Kaduna-based side.

Sadiq Umar scored two goals alongside Peter Joseph and Umar Aliyu in the first period while Tanko Emmanuel and Victor Tale reduced the deficit for Kada BSC.

In the second period, Kada BSC came out smoking with three un-replied goals from James Mamman, Victor Tale, and Ahmed Isa.

Umar Aliyu converted three more goals with Sadik Umar for Kebbi United BSC in the third period while Akin Idowu, Joseph Francis, and Clement Egunjimi for Kada BSC ensured the game was tied at 8-8 with few minutes to the end of the game.

Victor Tale's unfortunate own goal lifted Kebbi United BSC to a 9-8 win.

In the second match, Nmanko Patigi BSC earned an 8-3 win over another debutant, Ibom BSC. 

Both sides were tied at 3-3 after the second period with Effiong Eyo and Elijah Eboh (brace) scoring for the debutant while Jamiu Kunle (brace) and Yusuf Usman converted for the Kwara-based team.

Nmanko Patigi put up a commanding performance in the third period with a 5-0 win.

Abdullahi Jonathan (brace), Yusuf Usman, Blessing Elijah, and Ogunlana Seun scored five goals in the final period to seal a 3-8 win for Nmanko Patigi.

Round One of the 2023 NBSL will continue on Sunday with three games.