Nigeria’s Sand Eagles suffered a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat to Ghana after a thrilling 4-4 draw following extra time in the first leg of their 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifier in Kaduna on Saturday.
Isa Hamza Manga delivered an outstanding performance for Nigeria, scoring a hat-trick, including the opening goal, as the Sand Eagles battled the Black Sharks in a fiercely contested encounter.
Ekene Obi also found the net in extra time, but Nigeria failed to secure victory as Ghana fought back to force a penalty shootout.
Mawuli Sosu scored twice for Ghana, while Wise Nyamadi struck an equaliser in extra time to ensure the match remained level after regulation time and extra time.
The Black Sharks eventually prevailed 5-4 in the shootout, giving them an advantage ahead of the return leg scheduled for Keta next Sunday.
The Sand Eagles must now produce a strong performance away from home to keep their hopes of qualifying for the continental tournament alive.
The winner of the two-legged tie will secure a place at the 2026 BSAFCON in Senegal.
