Isa: Senegal Friendlies Vital For Sand Eagles Ahead Of Ghana Qualifier

Nigeria’s Sand Eagles head coach Abdullahi Isa has hailed the Nigeria Football Federation for arranging two friendly matches against Senegal as the team steps up preparations for their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash with Ghana.

The Sand Eagles will face the defending African champions in a two-legged series at Murtala Muhammed Square in Kaduna on Saturday and Monday.

Isa said the matches will provide valuable competitive action for Nigeria, who have been short of games ahead of their qualifier against Ghana’s Black Sharks.

He also thanked the Senegalese Football Federation for accepting the invitation and sending the team 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. These matches will help the Sand Eagles’ preparations in a big way.’

Isa described Senegal, the record African champions, as ideal opposition for Nigeria.

‘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 said.

Senegal coach Med Jean Sylla also welcomed the friendlies, saying they would benefit both teams 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 said he was particularly pleased to reconnect with Isa, noting that they had played together alongside Nigeria captain Victor Tale.

‘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,’ he added.

Senegal will use the matches 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.

The Senegalese delegation, comprising 12 players and six officials, arrived in Abuja on Thursday evening before travelling to Kaduna on Friday morning.

NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme meanwhile praised the Kaduna State Government for its support towards the Sand Eagles and their preparations.

The first friendly will be played on Saturday, October 3, at 5pm, while the second leg is scheduled for Monday, October 5, at 9am.