Sand Eagles lose again to Senegal in Beach Soccer Friendly

Nigeria’s Sand Eagles faced another loss in their build-up for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. They were beaten 6-4 by the defending African champions Senegal in Kaduna on Monday.

This match completed a two-game friendly series for Senegal at the Murtala Muhammed Square. The visitors won both matches with the same score of 6-4.

On Saturday, Nigeria also lost 6-4 in the first friendly. This means the Sand Eagles ended up with two defeats and conceded 12 goals against Senegal, the reigning champions of Africa.

The second match was again exciting with plenty of goals. But Nigeria could not convert their good chances into a win. Senegal showed their strength when it mattered most.

The game started evenly, with both teams unable to score early on. Senegal eventually took the lead through Libasse Mbaye, putting them ahead first. Nigeria quickly answered back when Hassan Abdullahi scored to make it 1-1.

Neither team could score again in the first half, leaving the game open as they headed into the second half. The Sand Eagles came out strong in the second half and took the lead when Hamza Manga scored, making it 2-1 for Nigeria.

However, Senegal did not let Nigeria keep their lead. Nigeria's Godspower Igudia accidentally scored an own goal, bringing Senegal level at 2-2. Both teams struggled to find another goal before the end of the second half.

Nigeria began the third period with determination. Sodiq Umar scored again, putting Nigeria ahead 3-2. The Sand Eagles looked close to taking control of the game.

But Senegal responded with their experience. Mamadou Sylla equalized again before Assane Ba scored to give Senegal the lead for the first time in the match.

Nigeria faced mounting pressure as Senegal took advantage of the spaces. Mandione Laye Diagne scored Senegal’s fifth goal, followed by Oussaynou Faye, who made it 6-3.

The Sand Eagles did not give up and reduced the score with a goal from Hassan Abubakar, making it 6-4. But they could not make a comeback as Senegal defended well to secure their second victory over Nigeria.

Faye was named Man of the Match for his impressive performance.

These friendlies were part of Nigeria’s preparation for their upcoming Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana’s Black Sharks. Playing against the defending champions was a tough test for the Sand Eagles.

Though Nigeria did not get the results they wanted, the matches provided crucial competitive time against a strong Senegal team. Nigeria needs to learn from these games, especially after conceding six goals in each match.

The Sand Eagles did show they can score, netting four goals in both games. This was one of the positives from the series. The next step is to fix their defensive mistakes and make sure they perform better when the competitive matches start.

For Senegal, these wins highlighted their position as the top team in Africa. For Nigeria, the back-to-back defeats serve as a reminder of the level they need to reach as they prepare for the clash with Ghana and the fight for a spot in the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.