Senegal step up Beach Soccer preparations with Nigeria win

Senegal have made a positive start to the second phase of their preparations for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations Beach Soccer tournament, which they will host. The reigning African champions defeated Nigeria in the opening match of a two-game friendly series, giving coach Jean Ngalla Sylla’s squad another encouraging result before the continental competition.

The Lions won 6-4 on Saturday, with Mamadou Sylla scoring three times. Assane Ba, Ninou Diatta and Mandione Diagne also found the net as Senegal produced another strong attacking display. The result extends the team’s momentum after an earlier training camp in Dubai, where they played two friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates.

The fixture has a different purpose for the two teams. Senegal are building towards a home tournament in 2026, while Nigeria are using the games to refine their preparations for the competition’s qualifying campaign. The victory therefore gives Senegal an early advantage in this latest stage of their build-up, although the series is not yet complete.

The teams will meet again on October 5. That second encounter will give Senegal another opportunity to test the squad and continue its preparation before the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.