Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles will face Senegal in a two-legged friendly series in Kaduna as part of their preparations for their upcoming 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Ghana.
The first friendly is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, with the return fixture set for Monday, October 5.
Sand Eagles head coach Abdullahi Isa welcomed the opportunity to test his team against the defending African champions, describing the matches as an important step towards regaining match sharpness ahead of the qualifier against Ghana’s Black Sharks.
Isa also expressed his appreciation to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for arranging the fixtures, while acknowledging the strong relationship between both teams.
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“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 Nigerian coach also highlighted the significance of facing Senegal, who have established themselves as one of the dominant forces in African beach soccer.
“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,” he added.
Senegal head coach Med Jean Sylla also described the fixtures as valuable 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,” Sylla said.
Sylla was particularly pleased to reunite with Isa and Nigeria captain Victor Tale, recalling their playing days together.
“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.”
The Senegalese side will also use the Kaduna friendlies as part of their preparations for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, which they will host from November 7 to 15 as defending champions.
Senegal arrived in Abuja on Thursday evening with a 12-man squad and six officials before travelling to Kaduna on Friday morning.
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 crucial Ghana qualifier.
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.
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