By AARON USMAN

Kaduna State is hosting Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles for a 23-day training camp ahead of international friendly matches and a CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The team arrived in Kaduna on Sept. 24 and will remain in the state until Oct. 14, as part of preparations for two friendly matches against Senegal on Oct. 2 and 4, as well as a CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana on Oct. 10.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the hosting of the national team and the international fixtures further underscores Kaduna’s growing role as a destination for major sporting activities.

Speaking in an interview on Friday, the Director of Sports Development, Malam Hassan Buba, said the development reflected the state government’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure and development.

Buba said the hosting of national and international sporting activities also demonstrated growing confidence in Kaduna’s capacity to accommodate major competitions.

According to him, improved security, upgraded sporting facilities and institutional support were contributing to renewed interest in the state as a sporting destination.

He said the government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for athletes, teams and sporting organisations to train and compete.

The Team Coordinator of the Super Sand Eagles, Mr Sunday Okaye, expressed appreciation to Gov. Uba Sani and the Kaduna State Government for the reception and support accorded the team.

Okaye commended the state government for providing a conducive environment for the team’s preparations ahead of its international engagements.

He said the team was pleased with its experience in Kaduna and appreciated the arrangements made to support its training programme.

Similarly, the captain of the team, Victor Tale, thanked the governor and the state government for the hospitality extended to the team.

Tale said the players were in high spirits and focused on their preparations for the upcoming fixtures.

He said the training camp would enable the team to improve its fitness, strengthen team cohesion and build confidence ahead of the matches.

The NAN reports that the hosting of the Super Sand Eagles comes amid ongoing efforts by the Kaduna State Government to upgrade sporting infrastructure across the state.

One of the major projects is the comprehensive reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, which is being transformed into a modern FIFA-standard facility, with its main bowl expected to accommodate about 33,000 spectators.

The Kaduna Township Stadium, formerly known as Ranchers Bees Stadium, has also undergone renovation as part of efforts to improve sporting facilities in the state.

The presence of the Super Sand Eagles is also expected to provide opportunities for local businesses and service providers, while promoting youth participation and the development of beach soccer.

The state government’s sports development agenda is focused on using sports to promote youth development, tourism, investment and economic activities, while strengthening Kaduna’s position as a major sporting centre.

The Super Sand Eagles are expected to continue their training in Kaduna ahead of the friendly matches against Senegal and the crucial CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana. (NAN)