Nigeria’s Sand Eagles head coach Abdullahi Isa says the two-match friendly series against Senegal will be an important test as his side prepares for its Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifying tie against Ghana’s Black Sharks.
The fixtures will give Nigeria a chance to return to competitive preparation after a period of inactivity, with Isa grateful to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for arranging Senegal’s visit.
Isa believes facing the African champions will help the Sand Eagles regain their sharpness and identify areas to improve before the qualifiers.
“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 this commendable initiative and also appreciate Team Senegal for accepting the invitation,” Isa said.
“These matches will go a long way in helping the Sand Eagles prepare for the upcoming qualifiers.”
Senegal are the defending and record champions of Africa, making them high-quality opposition for Nigeria at this stage of their preparations.
Isa said the encounters would also continue a competitive rivalry between the two teams, who have faced each other several times in the past.
“Playing against the defending and record champions is a good test for Nigeria. Historically, our matches have always been important. We have met Senegal several times; they have beaten us and we have also beaten them,” he said.
The Nigeria coach welcomed the opportunity to measure his squad against one of the continent’s leading beach soccer nations before the decisive meeting with Ghana.
The Sand Eagles will use the friendlies to sharpen their competitive edge and refine their preparations for the BSAFCON qualifying clash with the Black Sharks.