Nigeria’s Sand Eagles are set to play two friendly matches against Senegal, the current African champions. This is part of their training for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana, according to the Nigeria Football Federation on Friday.
The head coach of the Sand Eagles, Abdullahi Isa, said these matches are a good chance to test his team. He mentioned that the team has been out of practice ahead of the important games against the Black Sharks of Ghana.
The NFF shared this news in a statement on their website on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Isa thanked the NFF for arranging the friendly matches with Senegal and also appreciated the Senegalese Football Federation for accepting the challenge. He said, “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 welcomed the chance to face Senegal. He called them strong opponents for the Sand Eagles. He said, “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.”
Senegal's head coach, Med Jean Sylla, also noted the significance of these matches for his team as they prepare for their own continental competition. He said, “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 mentioned that Senegal will use these friendly matches to prepare for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, which they will host from November 7 to 15 as defending champions.
The Senegalese team, which has 12 players and six officials, arrived in Abuja on Thursday evening before heading to Kaduna on Friday morning.
In the meantime, NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the Kaduna State Government for supporting the Sand Eagles as they get ready for the match against Ghana.
The first friendly game between Nigeria and Senegal is set for Saturday, October 3, at Murtala Muhammed Square in Kaduna, starting at 5pm. The second match will take place at the same venue on Monday, October 5, from 9am.
The Sand Eagles squad includes 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 features 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.
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