Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors have been crowned the 2025 Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL) champions.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the Warriors clinched the title after a nerve-wracking 5-4 penalty shootout victory against the defending champions, Kebbi Beach Soccer Club (Kebbi Fisher), in a thrilling final at Jabi Lake, Abuja.
The victory marks a remarkable achievement for the Warriors, who were making only their second appearance in the final after finishing as runners-up last season.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions. The Warriors seemed to be cruising to victory, holding a commanding 3-1 lead going into the third and final period. However, the resilient Kebbi Fisher mounted a spectacular comeback, scoring twice to level the match and force extra time.
With no goals in extra time, the destiny of the trophy was decided from the penalty spot.
The Anambra Warriors displayed ice-cool composure, converting all five of their spot kicks. The Kebbi Fisher, under immense pressure, missed one of their attempts, handing the title to the jubilant Warriors.
The win was especially sweet for the Anambra side, who suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat to the same Kebbi Fisher team in the group stage of the tournament.
Individual accolades followed the team’s triumph. Warriors’ goalkeeper, Segun Bashorun, was awarded the Best Keeper award, while Stanley Ekwo was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
An emotional team captain, Gabriel Chinweze, dedicated the hard-fought victory to the team’s sponsor, Prof. Victor Madubuko, and his wife, Ifediche Madubuko, whom he described as “the team’s number one supporter.”
“This trophy is for them. Their belief and support never wavered, and we are happy to reward their faith with this championship,” Chinweze stated.
