Senegal Beach Soccer national team head coach, Med Jean Sylla, says the two-legged friendly matches against Nigeria will provide valuable preparation for both teams ahead of their respective continental assignments.

 Senegal arrived in Nigeria on Thursday ahead of the encounters, with Sylla expressing his delight at returning to the country.

 “We are happy to be in Nigeria and feel like we are at home. This is not our first time in the country. These matches are important to both teams and Africa due to the history and pedigree.

  “I am so happy to see the head coach, Abdullahi Isa. We played together and the captain, Victor Tale. I am happy that he is still playing like our captain, Al Seyni Ndiaye.

 “We appreciate the Kaduna State Government for making these friendlies possible because without the government’s involvement, we can’t have this magnitude of match. I also want to thank Nigeria for organising this beach soccer match.”

 Sylla explained that Senegal will use the friendlies as part of their preparations for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON), which they will host as defending champions.

 “We are using the matches to prepare for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, which we are hosting as defending champions. For Nigeria, we also know that the friendlies are aimed at preparing the team for the qualifiers against Ghana.”

Senegal captain Al Seyni Ndiaye also welcomed the opportunity to return to Nigeria and reconnect with familiar faces.

 “I am also happy to be in Nigeria once again to see my friends, President of the African Beach Soccer Union (ABSU), Mahmud Hadejia, Coach Abdullahi Isa, and Victor Tale. We are looking forward to interesting and entertaining encounters.”

 Nigeria vs Senegal

 First Leg: Saturday, October 3, 2026 — Murtala Muhammed Square, 5:00 pm

Second Leg: Monday, October 5, 2026 — Murtala Muhammed Square, 9:00 am