The Senegalese is hoping for more time and funds in the development of beach soccer across the world, especially in Africa Fifa secretary general Fatma Samoura has called for more investment in growing beach soccer in Africa following the success of the 2016 African Beach Soccer Cup of Nations held in Nigeria. Samoura, who attended the final of the continental showpiece in Lagos on Sunday, December 18, shared the passion of Beach Soccer Worldwide in seeing the sport gain more popularity in Africa.

"For my first event of this kind in Africa, I find it very exciting and very energizing, with a lot of quick movement and also a lot of fun," Samoura told Beach Soccer Worldwide. "From the number of attendants here, we can only imagine what the Bahamas World Cup will be.  "So I’m really looking forward to being in the Bahamas next year and through this tournament and we will be promoting the event worldwide and bringing more attraction to the game.

"Beach soccer is gaining popularity in Africa. It’s a wonderful event for the youth and even for those who are not that young. "Africa has a large majority of young people, so this is something we need to invest more time and additional revenues in."