By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s Sand Eagles have suffered back-to-back defeats to African champions Senegal, losing 6–4 again in Kaduna on Monday in their final major test before the crucial Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana.
The result mirrored Saturday’s opening friendly, when Senegal also edged the Sand Eagles 6–4 at the Murtala Muhammed Square Beach Soccer Pitch.
But despite the identical scorelines, Coach Abdullahi Isa’s side showed greater attacking variety in the second meeting, with Hassan Abdullahi, Hamza Manga, Sodiq Umar and Hassan Abubakar getting on the scoresheet.
Senegal’s quality once again proved decisive, with Libasse Mbaye, Mamadou Sylla, Assane Ba, Mandione Laye Diagne and goalkeeper Oussaynou Faye among the scorers.
Nigeria’s Godspower Igudia also inadvertently turned the ball into his own net as the reigning African champions maintained their edge over the hosts.
The two-match series has nevertheless given the Sand Eagles a demanding test against one of Africa’s strongest beach soccer nations as they step up preparations for the Ghana showdown.
Saturday’s opening encounter saw Hassan Abdullahi produce a standout individual performance, scoring all four of Nigeria’s goals despite the 6–4 defeat and earning the Man-of-the-Match award.
For a Nigerian side returning to international competitive action after a two-year absence, the fixtures offered valuable exposure and an opportunity to assess the team’s tactical and technical readiness against elite opposition.
Now, attention shifts firmly to Ghana.
The Sand Eagles will host the Black Sharks in the first leg of the BSAFCON qualifying tie in Kaduna on Saturday, October 10, before travelling to Accra for the return leg on Sunday, October 18.
The stakes will be significantly higher, with Nigeria needing to translate the lessons from the Senegal friendlies into a result that keeps their continental ambitions alive.
The Senegal series may have ended without a win, but the Sand Eagles scored four goals in each encounter and demonstrated the fighting spirit needed for the qualifiers.
The challenge now is to tighten their defence, improve their finishing and turn their competitive performance into results when Ghana arrives in Kaduna.
Meanwhile, Senegal will continue preparations for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in the country from November 28 to December 6.
For Nigeria, however, there is little time to dwell on the defeats.
The road to the continental championship now runs through Ghana.
