Sand Eagles to face Senegal in Kaduna friendlies before Ghana qualifier
Nigeria’s Sand Eagles will play two friendlies against reigning African beach-soccer champions Senegal as preparation for their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Ghana. Coach Abdullahi Isa said the matches would help address his team’s lack of recent competitive action and provide a test against strong opposition.
Nigeria’s Sand Eagles will play a two-match friendly series against Senegal in Kaduna as they prepare for their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Ghana, the Nigeria Football Federation said. The first match is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at Murtala Muhammed Square from 5pm. The second will take place at the same venue on Monday, October 5, from 9am.
Nigeria coach Abdullahi Isa said the fixtures were important because his team had been affected by a lack of recent matches. He thanked the NFF for arranging the games and Senegal for accepting the invitation. Isa described Senegal, the defending and record African champions, as quality opposition.
He said the countries had met several times, with both teams recording victories in their previous encounters. Senegal coach Med Jean Sylla said the matches would also support his side’s preparations. Senegal will host the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations from November 7 to 15 as defending champions.
Sylla said the fixtures were important to both teams and to African beach soccer because of their history and standing. Senegal’s delegation of 12 players and six officials arrived in Abuja on Thursday before travelling to Kaduna. The NFF’s acting general secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the Kaduna State Government for supporting the Sand Eagles’ preparations.
Nigeria’s squad includes captain Victor Tale, Nuhu Aiki, Godwin Tale, Taiwo Adams, Hamza Isa and Emmanuel Ohwoferia. Senegal’s squad includes captain Alseyni Ndiaye, Ousseynou Faye, Jean-Paul Ninou Diatta and Pape Sidy Fall, among others.
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