Nigeria’s Sand Eagles have been eliminated from the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations after suffering a 7-4 defeat to Ghana’s Black Sharks in the second leg of their qualifying tie in Keta, Ghana.
The defeat means Nigeria lost the two-legged encounter 10-7 on aggregate, handing Ghana qualification for the continental tournament scheduled to take place in Senegal.
The Sand Eagles entered the decisive encounter needing a strong performance to secure their place at the tournament, but Ghana’s Black Sharks proved too strong on home soil, scoring seven goals to seal their qualification.
Despite Nigeria’s four goals in the second leg, the visitors were unable to overturn the aggregate deficit, as Ghana maintained their advantage to emerge winners of the tie.
The result represents a major disappointment for Nigeria, who will now miss the 2026 edition of Africa’s premier beach soccer competition.
For Ghana, however, the victory marks a significant achievement, with the Black Sharks securing their place among the continent’s leading beach soccer nations ahead of the tournament in Senegal.
The qualification also provides Ghana with an opportunity to test themselves against Africa’s best beach soccer teams as they prepare for the continental championship.
Nigeria’s elimination will raise questions about the team’s preparations and performance across the two-legged qualifying contest, particularly as the country looks to regain its standing in African beach soccer.
With the qualifying tie now concluded, attention will turn to Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, while Nigeria must begin rebuilding ahead of future international competitions.
