Nigeria head coach Abdullahi Isa has described the team’s 6-4 defeat to Senegal as a valuable test ahead of their upcoming clash with Ghana.

 Isa said the friendly provided an important opportunity for his players to regain competitive sharpness after a lengthy absence from international action.

 “It was a very wonderful and interesting game. It’s not all about the goals, even though winning is important for the team as it boosts players’ confidence,” Isa said.

 The coach said the focus is now on making the necessary adjustments before facing Ghana on October 10.

 “What we are working on now is to see what we can come up with against Ghana. This is a test match for us. It was really a good test match. The boys put in a lot of energy and work.”

 Nigeria had spent only a few weeks in camp after going two years without playing a competitive international match. Isa explained that facing reigning African champions Senegal was a deliberate decision to test the team at the highest level.

 “We chose to play Senegal because they are currently African champions. Honestly, they are the best team in Africa. This is a match that we really needed to play.”

 Isa believes the experience will help Nigeria prepare for the Ghana encounter, stressing the importance of securing a positive result.

 “It is really going to help the team stand strong against Ghana when we play on October 10. This is the first game. We have a day to make some adjustments and hopefully win on Monday because that win is very important.

 “We need something that will really boost the boys’ confidence. I am happy and so proud of them for coming out to play like this.”

 The coach also credited the Nigeria Beach Soccer League with helping players maintain their fitness and competitive rhythm during the team’s prolonged absence from international competition.

 “There is a lot of improvement. Thank God we had the Super 4 Finals recently. The Nigeria Beach Soccer League has really helped us. We have not played beach soccer for a very long time. The league kept us going. We wish we could do more.”

 Isa added that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is continuing its efforts to strengthen the national team’s position in African beach soccer.

 Nigeria and Senegal will meet again at the same venue on Monday for the second friendly, with kick-off scheduled for 9:00am.