Sand Eagles face Senegal in final test ahead of Ghana AFCON qualifier

Nigeria’s Sand Eagles will use a two-legged friendly series against defending African champions Senegal to sharpen their preparations for their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Ghana, the Nigeria Football Federation said on Friday.

Sand Eagles head coach, Abdullahi Isa, described the matches as an important test for his side, which he said had been affected by match rust ahead of the qualifiers against the Black Sharks of Ghana.

The NFF disclosed this in a statement published on its website on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Isa expressed appreciation to the NFF for inviting Senegal for the friendlies and thanked the Senegalese Football Federation for accepting the invitation.

“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.

The Nigeria coach also welcomed the opportunity to face Senegal, describing the record African champions as quality opposition for the Sand Eagles.

“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 head coach, Med Jean Sylla, said the matches would also provide important preparation for his team ahead of their own continental assignment.

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“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.

Sylla added that Senegal would use the friendlies as part of preparations for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will host from November 7 to 15 as defending champions.

Senegal’s delegation of 12 players and six officials arrived in Abuja on Thursday evening before travelling to Kaduna on Friday morning.

Meanwhile, NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the Kaduna State Government for its support for the Sand Eagles and their preparations for the Ghana clash.

The first friendly between Nigeria and Senegal is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at the Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, from 5pm, while the second leg will hold at the same venue on Monday, October 5, from 9am.

The Sand Eagles squad comprises 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.

Senegal’s squad includes 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.