Senegal Friendlies Crucial To Sand Eagles Africa Beach Soccer Qualifier – Isa
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria’s Sand Eagles head coach, Abdullahi Isa, has described the team’s two friendly matches against Senegal as a crucial part of their preparations for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifiers against Ghana.
The Sand Eagles will face the Black Sharks of Ghana in a two-legged qualifying tie, and Isa believes the high-profile fixtures against Senegal will help his players regain their rhythm after a period without competitive action.
Isa expressed his appreciation to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for arranging the friendlies and also commended the Senegalese Football Federation for accepting the invitation to Nigeria.
“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,” Isa said.
“These matches will help the Sand Eagles preparations in a big way.”
The Nigerian coach believes facing Senegal, the defending and record champions of African beach soccer, provides his team with the kind of demanding test needed ahead of the Ghana qualifiers.
“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 also welcomed the opportunity to renew friendships within the African beach soccer community, particularly with Senegal coach Sylla and captain Ndiaye.
The Senegalese delegation, comprising 12 players and six officials, arrived in Abuja on Thursday evening before travelling to Kaduna on Friday morning for the two matches.
The first encounter is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at Murtala Muhammed Square in Kaduna, with kick-off set for 5pm, while the second match will take place at the same venue on Monday, October 5, at 9am.
Senegal coach Med Jean Sylla also described the matches as important preparation for both sides ahead of their respective continental assignments.
“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 an important preparation for the team.”
Senegal are preparing to defend their continental title when they host the 2026 BSAFCON from November 7 to 15.
Meanwhile, NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, commended the Kaduna State Government for its support towards the Sand Eagles and their preparations for the upcoming Ghana clash.
Nigeria squad: Victor Tale, Nuhu Aiki, Godwin Tale, Taiwo Adams, Hamza Isa, Emmanuel Ohwoferia, Clement Eganosi, Godspower Igudia, Dozie Frank, Stanley Ekwe, Ekene Obi, Hassan Abdullahi.
Senegal squad: 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, Babacar Niang.
