Nigeria’s Sand Eagles head coach, Abdullahi Isa has described the team’s two friendly matches against Senegal as a crucial test ahead of their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifying clash with Ghana’s Black Sharks.
Isa expressed his appreciation to the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, for inviting Senegal to Nigeria for the two-match series, saying the games would provide valuable preparation for the Sand Eagles, who are returning to competitive action after a period of inactivity. “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.” The coach also welcomed the opportunity to test his team against Senegal, the defending and record champions of Africa, describing them as quality opposition. “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,” Isa noted. The Sand Eagles will hope to use the friendly series to sharpen their competitive edge and fine-tune their preparations ahead of the crucial BSAFCON qualifying encounter against Ghana.