Nigeria’s Sand Eagles suffered another setback in their preparations for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after they were beaten 6-4 by defending African champions Senegal in Kaduna on Monday.
The result completed a two-match friendly sweep for Senegal at the Murtala Muhammed Square, with the visitors recording identical 6-4 victories in both encounters.
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Nigeria had suffered the same scoreline in Saturday’s opening friendly, leaving the Sand Eagles with two defeats and 12 goals conceded against the continent’s reigning champions.
The second meeting once again produced an entertaining, high-scoring contest. Still, Nigeria could not turn several promising moments into a positive result as Senegal showed their quality in the decisive stages.
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Senegal strike first as Nigeria respond
The encounter began evenly, with neither side breaking the deadlock in the opening exchanges.
Senegal eventually found the breakthrough through Libasse Mbaye, putting the defending champions in front. But Nigeria responded quickly, with Hassan Abdullahi restoring parity to make it 1-1.
Neither side could find another goal before the end of the first period, leaving the contest finely poised heading into the second.
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The Sand Eagles then produced a strong start to the second period and turned the game around when Hamza Manga found the back of the net to put Nigeria 2-1 ahead.
Senegal refused to allow the hosts to maintain their advantage and were handed an equaliser when Nigeria’s Godspower Igudia inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
The own goal brought Senegal level at 2-2, with neither side able to find another breakthrough before the end of the second period.
Nigeria regain lead before Senegal fight back
Nigeria started the third period with renewed intent and once again moved in front when Sodiq Umar scored to make it 3-2.
The Sand Eagles were now within touching distance of taking control of the contest. Still, Senegal responded with the experience and attacking quality that has made them one of Africa’s dominant forces in beach soccer.
Mamadou Sylla restored parity before Assane Ba completed Senegal’s turnaround, putting the visitors ahead for the first time in the final period.
Nigeria then came under increasing pressure as Senegal exploited spaces and extended their lead. Mandione Laye Diagne added Senegal’s fifth goal before Oussaynou Faye struck again to make it 6-3.
The Sand Eagles managed to reduce the deficit through Hassan Abubakar, who scored Nigeria’s fourth goal of the evening.
But there was to be no late comeback as Senegal held firm to secure another 6-4 victory and complete the friendly double over Nigeria.
Faye’s performance was recognised at the end of the encounter as he was named Man of the Match.
Sand Eagles face stern test ahead of Ghana Qualifier
The two friendly matches against Senegal were organised as part of Nigeria’s preparations for their upcoming Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Ghana’s Black Sharks.
Facing the defending African champions provided the Sand Eagles with a demanding test ahead of that crucial qualifying assignment.
While the identical defeats were not the outcome Nigeria wanted, the encounters offered valuable competitive minutes against a Senegal side that has established itself as a major force in African beach soccer.
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Nigeria will now have to assess the lessons from both matches, particularly after conceding six goals in each encounter.
The Sand Eagles did, however, show their attacking threat by scoring four goals in both games, and their ability to find the net was one of the positives of the two-match series.
The challenge now is to address the defensive lapses and ensure that the lessons from Kaduna translate into a stronger performance when the competitive matches begin.
For Senegal, the two victories further underlined their status as the continent’s team to beat.
For Nigeria, the back-to-back 6-4 defeats provide a clear warning of the level required, as the Sand Eagles turn their attention to Ghana and the battle for a place at the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.
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