Sand Eagles suffer 4-6 narrow loss to African champions Senegal
By Tosin Omojola
Nigeria’s Beach Soccer national team, the Sand Eagles, put up another spirited performance before losing 4-6 to African champions Senegal in their second friendly at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, on Monday.
Senegal had also won the first leg on Saturday, but the Sand Eagles showed little sign of a team that had been inactive on the international stage for two years.
The Coach Abdullahi Isa-tutored side displayed greater verve and determination on Monday, with Hassan Abdullahi, Hamza Manga, Sodiq Umar and Hassan Abubakar scoring for Nigeria.
Libasse Mbaye, Mamadou Sylla, Assane Ba, Mandione Laye Diagne and goalkeeper Oussaynou Faye were on target for Senegal, while Nigeria’s Godspower Igudia inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net.
The two-match series provided valuable preparation for the Sand Eagles ahead of their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifying tie against Ghana.
Nigeria will host the Black Sharks in the first leg in Kaduna on Saturday, October 10, before travelling to Accra for the return leg on Sunday, October 18.
The friendlies offered the Sand Eagles an opportunity to sharpen their tactical and technical preparations ahead of the crucial qualifiers.
The 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations finals are scheduled to hold in Senegal from November 28 to December 6.
