After a five-year absence from international competitions, Nigeria’s Supersand Eagles will set off for Nouakchott on Friday morning for their 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Mauritania, scheduled for Saturday.

This encounter marks the first leg of a two-leg fixture, with Egyptian officials appointed to oversee the game. Hany Farouk El-Sayed Eleraky will serve as the main referee, supported by Ahmed Mohamed Elwan Nofal as Referee 2 and Ibrahim El-Sayed Mahgoub as Referee 3. Khaled Mohamed Elewa will be the timekeeper, while Moroccan El Mansouri Taha will act as the commissioner.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has recently named Abdullahi Isa, a seasoned goalkeeper and former assistant coach, as the new Head Coach for the Supersand Eagles. Christopher Kadiri will assist Isa as the Assistant Coach, and Bashar Samaila will take on the role of Goalkeepers’ Trainer.

The squad for the match features experienced players such as Victor Tale and Emeka Ogbonna, alongside Arome Isah, Adams Taiwo, Emmanuel Ohwoferia, Godwin Tale, Egan-Osi Ekujimi, Chidozie Frank, and Hassan Abdullahi.

The return leg of the qualifier is set to take place on Saturday, July 27, in Nigeria.

Following the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Paraguay 2019 setback, which led to the team’s quiet removal from international competitions by the NFF, a group of dedicated enthusiasts, led by Mallam Mahmoud Hadejia, has revitalized the sport through the annual Nigeria Beach Soccer League and various local tournaments.