2024 BSAFCONQ: Sand Eagles coach Abdullahi Isa reflects on win over Mauritania

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The head coach of the Nigeria Beach Soccer national team, Abdullahi Isa is confident that the Super Sand Eagles can qualify for the 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) despite a slim away win over Mauritania.

The tight first-leg encounter in Nouakchott ended 5-4 in favour of Nigeria which returned to beach soccer after five years of absence.

With the return leg slated for next weekend in Kaduna, the former goalkeeper of the team, Isa reflected on the hard-fought win over their host, Mauritania.

“Mauritania side are very good, experienced and highly motivated side. Well prepared for the game,” He told NFF TV.

“They recently played against the best team in Africa. African champions, Senegal in friendly games. They even defeated Senegal in Dakar in preparation for this game.

“We came up and had our preparation with some experienced players. Even after a long time. They played their heart out for about five years and we haven’t played this game. It is a boost for the team.”

Isa believes that the victory will serve as a morale booster ahead of the return leg.

“We won narrowly but most importantly we won the game.” He continued. “It will boost the team ahead of the return leg.

“Mauritania lost at home and will want to come back stronger for the return leg. With the team that we have now, I am sure we will get the result at home.”

On whether the two-time African champions can return to the peak of beach soccer in Africa and stand tall alongside record African champions, Senegal, Isa was modest with his reaction.

“It’s a step at a time. We have to first qualify for the AFCON after that we will think of the next step.” He concluded.