Sand Eagles vs Senegal: Nigeria Squad List for Beach Soccer Friendlies Ahead of Ghana Clash

Nigeria’s Sand Eagles head coach, Abdullahi Isa, has welcomed the two friendly matches against Senegal as an important part of the team’s 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 friendly series in Kaduna, with the first leg scheduled for Saturday, October 3, before the return match on Monday, October 5.

Isa expressed his appreciation to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for inviting Senegal for the matches, saying the games will help the Sand Eagles regain match sharpness ahead of their qualifying tie against the Black Sharks of Ghana.

“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 said.

The Nigerian coach also welcomed the chance to test his players against Senegal, who have established themselves as one of the leading forces in African beach soccer.

“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 added.

Senegal head coach Med Jean Sylla also described the friendlies as valuable preparation for both teams ahead of their respective continental commitments.

“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.

The Senegal coach was also pleased to reunite with Isa and Nigeria captain Victor Tale, recalling their previous playing days together.

“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 confirmed that Senegal will use the two 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.

Meanwhile, NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme commended the Kaduna State Government for its support towards the Sand Eagles and their preparations for the upcoming Ghana qualifier.

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 Friendlies

First leg: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | Murtala Muhammed Square | 5:00 pm
Second leg: Monday, October 5, 2026 | Murtala Muhammed Square | 9:00 am