Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles head coach, Abdullahi Isa, has described the team’s two-legged friendly matches against Senegal as an important test ahead of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifiers.

 Isa expressed appreciation to the Senegalese delegation for honouring the fixtures, noting that the encounters also provided an opportunity to reunite with old friends, including Senegal head coach Oumar Sylla and captain Al Seyni Ndiaye.

 “I want to appreciate Team Senegal for turning up. It is good to see my friends again, especially the coach, Oumar Sylla, whom we played together, as well as the captain, Al Seyni Ndiaye,” Isa said.

 According to Isa, Sylla had been keen to arrange the friendly matches for the past two years, and he believes the timing is now appropriate for both teams.

 “Coach Sylla has been craving these friendlies for two years now. I believe this is the right time for them,” he said.

 While Senegal, who are hosts of the upcoming BSAFCON, may approach the matches competitively, Isa believes Nigeria stand to benefit significantly from the fixtures as they continue preparations for the qualifiers.

 “Senegal may see this game as a competitive one. It is also good for Nigeria. Senegal is already at the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations as host, while Nigeria is still praying and hoping to qualify.

 “I think we need this match more to prepare for the qualifiers. We also believe that Senegal is a good team to play as we prepare for the match against Ghana.”

 Isa also welcomed the opportunity to face Senegal, describing the defending and record African champions as quality opposition for Nigeria.

 “Playing against the defending and record champions is a good test match for Nigeria,” he added.

 The Super Sand Eagles have a long history of encounters with Senegal in international beach soccer, with both sides having recorded victories over each other.

 “Historically, the games are important. We have met Senegal several times. They have beaten us and we have also beaten them,” Isa noted.

 Reflecting on the development of beach soccer in both countries, Isa pointed out that Nigeria began participating in international beach soccer in 2006, making the country’s involvement 20 years old, while Senegal started in 2007.

 For Isa, however, the fixtures carry a personal significance beyond the competitive aspect.

 “Personally, it feels like playing against my friends. Like I said, I played against the head coach and the current captain, who should be credited for his longevity in playing such a tough game like beach soccer.

 “It promises to be an interesting encounter.”