SENEGAL 2026 Race: Sand Eagles Lose 4-6 To African Champions Again
Nigeria’s Sand Eagles suffered another narrow defeat to African champions Senegal, going down 4-6 in their second friendly at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, on Monday.
The Coach Abdullahi Isa-tutored side had also lost by a similar margin in Saturday’s opening friendly, but once again showed determination against the continent’s leading beach soccer team despite having gone two years without competitive international action.
The Sand Eagles produced an improved display on Monday, with Hassan Abdullahi, Hamza Manga, Sodiq Umar and Hassan Abubakar getting on the scoresheet for Nigeria.
Senegal’s goals came from Libasse Mbaye, Mamadou Sylla, Assane Ba, Mandione Laye Diagne and goalkeeper Oussaynou Faye, while Nigeria defender Godspower Igudia unfortunately deflected the ball into his own net.
The two-match series formed part of Nigeria’s preparations for their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Ghana.
The Sand Eagles will host the Black Sharks in the first leg in Kaduna on Saturday, October 10, before travelling to Accra for the return leg on Sunday, October 18.
The friendlies against Senegal provided Nigeria with valuable competitive preparation ahead of the crucial qualifiers.
The 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations finals are scheduled to take place in Senegal from November 28 to December 6.
