Copa Lagos: African champions Senegal replace Russia

African beach soccer champions, Senegal have been confirmed as the final team to participate in Copa Lagos 2013. Senegal will be replacing world champions Russia.

A spokesman from the World Beach Soccer Federation said it had been agreed by the key stakeholders that the team would now be scheduled for Copa Lagos 2014.

World beach soccer official, Andrew DeGruchy said, “It is unfortunate that Russia will not be participating in what is World Class Beach Soccer tournament. The Russians were very eager to take their brand of soccer to Africa, and become the first world champions to compete on African soil. However, due to unforeseeable circumstances, it was decided that the most sensible decision would be to feature at Copa Lagos 2014 instead.”

Copa Lagos will take place from December 13 to 15. Senegal recently represented Africa at the Beach Soccer World Cup in Tahiti.

The decision by the reigning African champions to be in Lagos came as good news for sponsors of Copa Lagos. One of such major sponsors, FCMB say they are looking forward to building on the increasing popularity of beach soccer in Africa. Senegal will compete against two-time Copa Lagos champions, Nigeria; European heavyweights Germany, and Copa Lagos 2012 runners up Lebanon.