Nigeria’s Sand Eagles suffered another narrow defeat to African champions Senegal after losing 2-0 on penalties following a thrilling 4-4 draw in their second international beach soccer friendly in Kaduna on Monday.
The encounter at the Murtala Muhammed Square Beach Soccer Arena produced another entertaining contest between the two sides, with Nigeria once again matching Senegal closely after Saturday’s 6-4 defeat.
Taiwo Adams scored twice for the Sand Eagles, while Emeka Ogbonna and Fayowole Egan-Osi also found the net. However, Nigeria failed to convert any of its spot kicks in the shootout, allowing Senegal to claim victory.
In Saturday’s opening friendly, Abdullahi Hassan scored all four of Nigeria’s goals in the 6-4 loss and was named Man of the Match. Senegal’s goals came from Laye Diagne, Mamadou Sylla, who scored a hat-trick, Ninou Jean-Paul Diatta and Asane Ba.
Sand Eagles head coach Abdullahi Isa described the two-match series against the record African champions as valuable preparation for Nigeria’s upcoming Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ghana.
“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 said.
With the Senegal friendlies completed, Nigeria will now turn its attention to the Black Sharks of Ghana.
The Sand Eagles will host Ghana in the first leg of the qualifying tie in Kaduna on Saturday, October 10, before travelling to Accra for the return fixture on October 17.
Senegal are also preparing for the 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON, which they will host from November 7 to 15.
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