Former Super Sand Eagles captain Isiaka Olawale has expressed disappointment following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) after a 7-4 defeat to Ghana’s Black Sharks in the return leg of their qualifying tie in Keta on Sunday.

Speaking in an interview with Brila FM, Olawale said he had anticipated a difficult encounter for Nigeria, particularly because Ghana enjoyed the advantage of playing at home in front of their supporters.

The former skipper believes Nigeria’s failure to secure an advantage in the first leg in Kaduna contributed to their elimination, as the match ended in a 3-3 draw.

Olawale called for better planning and organisation to improve the team’s chances in future qualifying campaigns, adding that the Nigeria Football Federation should consider involving experienced former players in efforts to rebuild the squad.

“It is so painful. As for me, I knew it was going to be very difficult for them. I think we lost it in the first leg in Kaduna. The match ended in a 3-3 draw.

“I knew it would be difficult for them in Ghana because they had the added advantage and upper hand, playing on their home ground.

“They did their best. There is nothing we can do. We just have to put our house in order. We just have to bury our ego, and if there are any former players they can call upon to come and help the team, why not? They can call them,” Olawale said.

Nigeria’s elimination means the Super Sand Eagles will miss another edition of the continental beach soccer championship after failing to overcome Ghana across the two legs.

The former captain stressed the need for the team to learn from the setback, improve its preparations and draw on the experience of former internationals to strengthen its future campaigns.