Former Arsenal youngster, Terry Bowes, will be leading Arsenal Beach soccer team in the 2017 Copa Lagos tournament.

Bowes, who played for Arsenal in the late 1990s, is set to lead their beach soccer equivalent during the Copa Lagos tournament this year and the 38-year-old is feeling confident.

“We have been hearing of Nigeria and it is a thing of joy to be in this competition,” said Bowes upon arrival. “We have a successful team and we will do everything to come tops at the end of the tournament.”

The 2017 Copa Lagos, an annual beach soccer tournament organised by Kinetic Sports, kicks off today (Friday) in Eko Atlantic City, where Arsenal Beach soccer team were received by Naija Gunners, the umbrella body of supporters of the London-based club, including their president, Wole Olagundoye.

Despite the competition being in its seventh year, this is the first time the Arsenal Beach soccer team have traveled to Africa for a tournament, which explains why they’ve been given such a warm welcome.

Arsenal BSC’s first clash is against Kebbi BSC before they take on Pepsi Football Academy at the weekend followed by Gidi Sharks.

Interestingly, when we reached out to Arsenal Football Club, they said Arsenal BSC isn’t an official team, despite a former Gunner currently leading it, the beach soccer team using the badge and a fan group welcoming them to the tournament. However, presumably the club know about it and don’t have a problem.

Feature image credit.