Abia Warriors FC player, Ogbonnaya Okemmiri, says he is optimistic the Sand Super Eagles will retain the COPA Lagos International Beach Soccer title on Dec. 14.

The competition is scheduled to kick off on Dec. 12 and end on Dec. 14 at the Eko Atlantic City on Victoria Island, Lagos.

Okemmiri told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday on telephone from the team’s Badagry camp that they had prepared well to retain the title.

The player, who has been part of the team since its inception in 2011, said they deserved nothing other than the trophy.

“I’m happy to be part of the squad this year again; it has always been a privilege to be found worthy and be selected.

“We have trained as a team and I intend to be a team player in order to retain the trophy again this year,” Okemmiri said.

NAN reports that the other countries being expected are Senegal, Cote’d Ivoire and Ghana.

Also being expected on the club sides level is Barcelona Beach Soccer team, which will play a round ruby against Stationary Stores FC of Lagos, Eyimba FC of Aba and Pepsi Academy of Lagos.

Meanwhile, 10 Sand Super Eagles have been selected to represent Nigeria out of the 18 players invited to the Badagry camp on Dec. 5.

Aside Okemmiri, others selected are Abdul Isah of Kaduna FC, Danladi Isah of Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, Isiaka Olawale of Dolphin FC, Abu Azziz of Warri Wolves and Musa Najere of Lobi Stars.

Others are Victor Tale of Confluence Beach Soccer team, Emmanuel Ohweferia, Atiku Sulaimon and Babatunde Badmus of Owibeseb FC of Lagos.