By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Sand Eagles head coach Abdullahi Isa says Nigeria’s two friendly matches against Senegal will provide a crucial test ahead of their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash with Ghana.
Nigeria will face the defending African champions at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, on Saturday, before the teams meet again at the same venue on Monday, October 5.
Isa described Senegal as quality opposition capable of helping the Sand Eagles regain competitive sharpness ahead of the Ghana qualifiers.
He thanked the Nigeria Football Federation for inviting Senegal and the Senegalese Football Federation for accepting the invitation.
“These matches will help the Sand Eagles’ preparations in a big way,” Isa said, adding that the games would also provide an opportunity to reunite with Senegal coach Med Jean Sylla and captain Al Seyni Ndiaye.
Isa said Nigeria and Senegal have a long history in beach soccer, with both sides recording victories over each other in previous encounters.
“Playing against the defending and record champions is a good test match for Nigeria. Historically, the games are important. We have met Senegal several times. They have beaten us and we have also beaten them,” he said.
Sylla also described the friendlies as valuable preparation for both teams ahead of their respective continental assignments.
The Senegal coach, who expressed delight at returning to Nigeria, said he was particularly pleased to reconnect with Isa and Sand Eagles captain Victor Tale, with whom he previously played.
Senegal will use the matches as part of their preparations for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, which they will host from November 7 to 15 as defending champions.
The Senegalese delegation, comprising 12 players and six officials, arrived in Abuja on Thursday before travelling to Kaduna on Friday.
The Senegal squad comprises Alseyni Ndiaye, Ousseynou Faye, Jean-Paul Ninou Diatta, Seydina Mame Gadiaga, Pape Sidy Fall, Sanou Laye Thiaw, Assane Ba, Mamadou Sylla, Seydina Laye Diagne, Libasse Mbaye, Pape Mamour Diagne and Babacar Niang.
Meanwhile, NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, commended the Kaduna State Government for its support for the Sand Eagles and their preparations for the Ghana qualifiers.
Nigeria’s squad features Victor Tale, Nuhu Aiki, Godwin Tale, Taiwo Adams, Hamza Isa, Emmanuel Ohwoferia, Clement Eganosi, Godspower Igudia, Dozie Frank, Stanley Ekwe, Ekene Obi and Hassan Abdullahi.
The friendlies form part of Nigeria’s preparations for the BSAFCON qualifying showdown with Ghana.
Edited by Julian Osamoto
