Nigeria Sand Eagles Fall 6-4 to Senegal in Kaduna Friendly
Abdullahi Hassan scores all four goals for Nigeria, but Senegal secure a 6-4 victory in the first of two Kaduna friendlies.
The Nigeria Sand Eagles lost 6-4 to defending African champions Senegal in the first of two friendly matches in Kaduna on Saturday as they continue preparations for their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifying fixture against Ghana.
Abdullahi Hassan was Nigeria’s standout scorer, finding the net four times, but his efforts were not enough to prevent Senegal from securing victory at Murtala Muhammed Square.
Senegal made the brighter start and took a 3-1 lead into the end of the first period.
Mandione Laye Diagne opened the scoring for Senegal before Hassan responded for Nigeria. Mamadou Sylla then restored Senegal’s lead, with Ninou Jean Paul Diatta adding another goal before the first break.
Senegal increased their advantage in the second period when Assane Ba made it 4-1.
Hassan responded for Nigeria to reduce the deficit to 4-2 before the end of the second period.
The Sand Eagles continued to fight in the final period, with Hassan scoring again to bring Nigeria within one goal at 4-3.
Senegal, however, responded through Mamadou Sylla, who scored twice in the final period to complete his hat-trick and extend the lead to 6-3.
Hassan completed his four-goal performance with Nigeria’s fourth goal, but Senegal held on for a 6-4 victory.
Hassan was subsequently named Man of the Match after scoring all four of Nigeria’s goals.
The result came as Nigeria continue their preparations for a two-legged BSAFCON qualifying tie against Ghana’s Black Sharks. Sand Eagles head coach Abdullahi Isa had described the Senegal friendlies as an important test for his team and thanked the Nigeria Football Federation for arranging the matches.
Isa also described Senegal as quality opposition, noting that Nigeria have faced and beaten the African champions in previous encounters, while Senegal have also recorded victories over the Sand Eagles.
Senegal are using the Kaduna friendlies as part of their preparations for the 2026 BSAFCON, which they will host as defending champions from November 7 to 15.
The second friendly between both teams will take place on Monday.
Next Match
🇳🇬 Nigeria vs Senegal 🇸🇳
📅 Monday, October 5, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna
The Sand Eagles will have another opportunity to test themselves against Senegal before their BSAFCON qualifying assignment against Ghana.
Match Summary
Nigeria 4-6 Senegal
Nigeria: Abdullahi Hassan ⚽⚽⚽⚽
Senegal: Mandione Laye Diagne ⚽, Mamadou Sylla ⚽⚽⚽, Ninou Jean Paul Diatta ⚽, Assane Ba ⚽
Man of the Match: Abdullahi Hassan 🇳🇬
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