The Super Sand Eagles head coach, Abdullahi Isa, says the friendly matches against Senegal will be beneficial as the team prepares for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifiers.

Isa made the statement in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Kaduna, noting that the two-series friendly would provide quality competition to the team.

The coach said Senegal, as the tournament’s defending champions, would provide a stern test for the team as it prepares for its two-legged qualifier against Ghana.

“We played Senegal on October 3 and lost, but valuable lessons were learnt as we prepared for the second friendly.

“We have met Senegal several times in the past; they have beaten us, and we have also beaten them.

“The matches provide an opportunity to reunite with old friends, including Senegal’s Head coach, Jean Sylla, among others,” he said.

Isa, the Golden Eaglets’ goalkeeper trainer, thanked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for organising the friendlies and its Senegalese counterpart for accepting the invitation.

“The friendlies would enable the technical crew to assess the players, identify areas of improvement ahead of the Ghanaian encounter.

“The team is focused on the task ahead and hopes to translate the friendlies’ experience into a credible outing against Ghana,” he said.

Nigeria lost 4-6 to Senegal in the first friendly played on Saturday at the Murtala Muhammed Square Beach Soccer pitch, Kaduna.

Abdullahi Hassan scored all Nigeria’s four goals, while Senegal’s goals came through Laye Diagne, Mamadou Sylla, who scored a hat-trick, Ninou Diatta and Asane Ba.

The second friendly between the two teams is scheduled for Monday at 9:00 a.m., at the same venue.

(NAN)