Nigeria’s Sand Eagles will test their readiness for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a two-match friendly series against defending champions Senegal.
The Nigeria Football Federation said the encounters will provide coach Abdullahi Isa’s side with valuable preparation ahead of their qualifying clash with Ghana’s Black Sharks.
Isa said the team needed competitive action after a period of inactivity and thanked the NFF and Senegalese Football Federation for arranging the fixtures.
“The matches provide an opportunity to reunite with old friends, including Senegal head coach Med Jean Sylla and captain Al Seyni Ndiaye. I want to thank the NFF for the commendable initiative and also appreciate Team Senegal for turning up. These matches will help the Sand Eagles’ preparations in a big way,” Isa said.
He described Senegal, the record African champions, as strong opposition and an ideal test for Nigeria.
“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,” Isa noted.
Senegal coach Med Jean Sylla said his team also sees the series as an important part of its preparations for the continental tournament.
“We are happy to be in Nigeria and feel like we are at home. This is not our first time in the country. These matches are important to both teams and Africa due to the history and pedigree. It is also important preparation for the team. I am so happy to see the head coach, Abdullahi Isa. We played together alongside your captain, Victor Tale. I am happy that he is still playing like our captain, Al Seyni Ndiaye,” Sylla said.
Senegal will host the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations 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.
NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme also commended the Kaduna State Government for supporting the Sand Eagles’ preparations.
The first friendly is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, from 5pm, with the return fixture set for the same venue on Monday, October 5, at 9am.
Nigeria’s squad includes 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.
