Beach Soccer AFCON 2026 Qualifiers: Ghana’s Black Sharks Arrive Nigeria For Sand Eagles Clash

Ghana’s Black Sharks are expected in Nigeria on Thursday ahead of their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations 2026 qualifying clash with the Sand Eagles.

The West African rivals will meet in the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie on Saturday, 10 October, with Nigeria hosting the encounter at the Murtala Muhammed Square Beach Pitch in Kaduna.

Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm.

The encounter is part of the qualifying race for the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Senegal 2026, with Nigeria and Ghana paired together in the second round.

CAF has scheduled the second-round first legs for 9–11 October, with the return fixtures billed for 16–18 October. The winners of the seven second-round ties will join hosts and reigning champions Senegal at the eight-team continental finals in November. 

The Nigerian delegation will be hoping to make home advantage count against the Black Sharks before travelling to Ghana for the return leg.

CAF has appointed Moroccan official Dris Lamghaidar as referee for the Kaduna encounter, with compatriots Azz-Eddine Essalhi and Nabil Elmaliki named as referees two and three respectively.

Gambia’s Omar Kebbeh will serve as the reserve assistant referee, while Khiba Herbert Mohoanyane of Lesotho has been appointed match commissioner.

The Sand Eagles will be seeking a strong first-leg advantage as they target qualification for the continental tournament in Senegal, which will also serve as the pathway towards the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. CAF has confirmed Senegal as hosts of the 2026 continental championship.