By Atlantic Reports

Ghana defeated Nigeria 5–4 on penalties after a 4–4 draw in the first leg of their 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Murtala Square, Kaduna, on Saturday.

The result leaves Nigeria seeking a response in the return leg in Accra next week, while Ghana’s coaching staff warned that qualification remained undecided.

Ghana head coach Daniel Kotey said his players had travelled to Kaduna confident of winning, describing the teams as longstanding rivals with mutual respect.

“We know definitely we are coming to Nigeria to win and prepare adequately for the 2nd leg,” he said.

Kotey praised the reception in Kaduna and the officiating, adding that he hoped for the same standard in Accra.

Nigeria Target Defensive Improvement

Nigeria assistant coach Kakari Christopher said the team would address its weaknesses before the return fixture, particularly in defence.

“We will concentrate on the defence. Our attackers are doing great, but the defence, we have to work seriously on that defence to see what we can do,” he said.

Christopher also identified missed opportunities from free-kicks as a factor in the result, saying Ghana had made better use of theirs.

Despite the defeat, he expressed confidence that Nigeria could win in Accra. He also commended the officials for their impartiality.

Ghana Warn Against Complacency

Ghana team manager Djidodo Reuben described the victory as important but stressed that the two-legged contest was not over.

He said his team would prepare carefully and seek to make home advantage count in the return match.

“As a team, we are very good. We know Nigeria has not been in the Beach Soccer fraternity for a couple of years, but having come back now, it’s an excellent showing. So we respect them,” he said.

Ghana captain Alexander Adjei also acknowledged his familiarity with Nigerian players from previous encounters at Copa Lagos and the Africa Cup of Nations.

After eight goals and a narrow penalty shoot-out in Kaduna, attention now shifts to Accra, where Nigeria will try to reverse the first-leg setback and Ghana will seek to complete the qualification task.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.