SENEGAL 2026 Race: Isa Hails NFF For Senegal Friendlies Ahead Ghana Clash

AFOLABI SAHEED OLAWALE

Nigeria’s Sand Eagles head coach, Abdullahi Isa, has described the team’s two-legged friendly matches against Senegal as an important test ahead of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifying fixture against the Black Sharks of Ghana.

Isa expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Football Federation for the invitation extended to the perennial African champions to come for the two friendly games, which he admits, will go a long way in preparing the match-rusty Sand Eagles for the upcoming clashes with Ghana. He also thanked the Senegalese Football Federation for accepting the invitation.

“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 also welcomed the opportunity to face Senegal, describing the record African champions as quality opposition for the Sand Eagles. “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,” Isa noted.

Meanwhile, the Senegalese beach soccer head coach, Med Jean Sylla, said the two-legged friendly matches against Nigeria will provide valuable preparation for 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. 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 explained that Senegal will use the friendlies as part of their preparations for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON), which they will host as defending champions, 7^th – 15^th November this year.

 

Senegal’s delegation of 12 players and six officials landed in Abuja on Thursday evening, and were moved to Kaduna on Friday morning.

 

NFF’s Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, praised the Kaduna State Government for all the support and encouragement offered the Sand Eagles and the team’s preparations for the clash with Ghana so far.

 

NIGERIA SQUAD: Victor Tale, Nuhu Aiki, Godwin Tale, Taiwo Adams, Hamza Isa, Emmanuel Ohwoferia, Clement Eganosi, Godspower Igudia, Dozie Frank, Stanley Ekwe, Ekene Obi, Hassan Abdullahi

 

SENEGAL SQUAD: 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, Babacar Niang  

Nigeria vs Senegal: First Leg: Saturday, October 3, 2026 (Murtala Muhammed Square, 5:00 pm)

Second Leg: Monday, October 5, 2026 (Murtala Muhammed Square, 9:00 am)