Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles suffered a 6-4 defeat to African champions Senegal in the first of two international beach soccer friendlies in Kaduna on Sunday.
The result exposed areas for improvement for the Nigerian side as it steps up preparations for its crucial Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana later this month.
The match was played at the Murtala Muhammed Square beach soccer pitch, where Senegal took an early lead through Laye Diagne before Abdullahi Hassan restored parity for Nigeria.
Senegal, however, maintained the advantage and eventually secured victory despite a determined display from the hosts.
Hassan provided the major bright spot for Nigeria, scoring all four of the team’s goals and earning the man-of-the-match award.
The friendly was organised to help the Sand Eagles improve match fitness, tactical understanding and team coordination ahead of the Ghana qualifier.
The defeat also gives the Nigerian technical crew an opportunity to address the defensive lapses exposed against the defending African champions.
Nigeria and Senegal are scheduled to meet again on Monday in Kaduna as the Sand Eagles seek a stronger performance in the second friendly.
The return match will provide another opportunity for Nigeria to fine-tune its preparations before facing Ghana in the continental qualifying campaign.
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