Nigeria’s Sand Eagles must win away in Ghana next Sunday to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations alive after losing 5-4 on penalties to the Black Sharks in Kaduna.
The first-leg qualifier ended 4-4 after extra time, with Ghana holding their nerve in the shootout to secure an advantage ahead of the return fixture in Keta.
Isa Hamza Manga was Nigeria’s standout performer, scoring a hat-trick to keep the hosts in contention in an intense encounter. Ekene Obi also scored in extra time, but the Sand Eagles could not finish the job before the match went to penalties.
Ghana fought back through Mawuli Sosu, who scored twice, while Wise Nyamadi netted an extra-time equaliser to force the shootout.
The Black Sharks converted enough of their penalties to win 5-4, leaving Nigeria with little margin for error in the second leg.
The Sand Eagles now need a strong performance in Keta to overturn the setback and claim a place at the continental tournament in Senegal. The winner of the two-legged tie will qualify for the 2026 BSAFCON.
The match also featured contributions from officials and coaches, including Black Stars coach Daniel Kotinugwe, Super Eagles assistant coach Khadiri Christopher and Cross River sports commissioner Ben Kure.
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