Nigeria's Super Sand Eagles are set to face reigning African beach soccer champions Senegal in two international friendly matches in Kaduna. The matches will be played at the Murtala Muhammed Square Beach Soccer Arena on October 3 and 5. Both games are scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m. This series of friendlies will give Nigeria a chance to test its strength against Senegal, the most successful beach soccer nation in Africa.
The friendly matches against Senegal are part of Nigeria's preparations for their 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ghana. Nigeria and Ghana were drawn together in the second round of the qualifiers by the Confederation of African Football. The first leg will take place from October 9 to 11, while the return fixture is scheduled for October 16 to 18. The overall winner of the two-legged tie will secure a spot at the eight-team continental finals in Senegal.
Senegal has already qualified automatically as host and defending champion of the African Beach Soccer Cup of Nations. The Teranga Lions have won a record five African Beach Soccer Cup of Nations titles, including the last five editions in 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2024. Nigeria, a two-time African champion in 2007 and 2009, is hoping to return to the continent's elite level after missing the 2024 finals.
The Super Sand Eagles were eliminated in qualifying by Mauritania last year. The team is eager to make a strong comeback and secure a spot at the continental finals. The friendlies against Senegal will provide valuable competitive exposure, helping the technical crew assess the squad, sharpen tactics, and build momentum ahead of the Ghana showdown.
With a place at the continental finals and a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup at stake, Nigeria will be eager to make the Kaduna double-header count. The team's performance in the friendlies will be crucial in determining its readiness for the qualifiers against Ghana. A strong showing against Senegal could boost Nigeria's confidence and prepare the team for the challenges ahead.
The 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place in Senegal from November 7 to 15. The tournament will feature eight teams, including host Senegal. Nigeria's Super Sand Eagles are determined to secure a spot at the tournament and make a strong impression on the continental stage.
The friendlies against Senegal will be an important milestone for Nigeria's Super Sand Eagles as they step up preparations for the qualifiers against Ghana. The team's technical crew will be closely monitoring the players' performance, making adjustments as needed to ensure the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Key points
- Nigeria's Super Sand Eagles will face Senegal in two international friendly matches in Kaduna as part of their preparations for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ghana.
- The overall winner of the two-legged tie between Nigeria and Ghana will secure a spot at the eight-team continental finals in Senegal.
- Senegal has already qualified automatically as host and defending champion of the African Beach Soccer Cup of Nations.
