Nigeria’s Beach Soccer national team, the Sand Eagles, suffered a narrow 4-6 defeat to African champions Senegal in their second friendly at Murtala Muhammed Square in Kaduna on Monday.
Senegal had also claimed victory in the first encounter on Saturday, but Nigeria again showed competitiveness despite having spent two years without international action.
The Coach Abdullahi Isa-tutored Sand Eagles produced a more energetic and determined 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’s Godspower Igudia inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
The two-match friendly series served as preparation for the Sand Eagles ahead of their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifying tie against Ghana.
Nigeria will host the Black Sharks in the first leg in Kaduna on Saturday, October 10, before travelling to Accra for the return fixture on Sunday, October 18.
The friendlies also gave the Sand Eagles an opportunity to improve their tactical and technical preparations ahead of the important qualifiers.
The 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations finals are scheduled to take place in Senegal from November 28 to December 6.