By Teddy Nwanunobi
Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles will not be part of this year’s CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) scheduled to take place in Senegal, from November 28 to December 6, 2026.
Nigeria was eliminated by Ghana 10-7 on aggregate, after losing the second leg 7-4 in Keta.
Daily NewsCraft reports that the result condemned Nigeria to missing the continental championship, while Ghana secured a second consecutive appearance.
Eight countries have qualified for BSAFCON, with Morocco, Malawi, Ghana, Uganda, Angola, Mozambique, and Mauritania joining defending champions, Senegal.
The seven qualifiers emerged from a two-round qualification series organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with decisive second-leg matches played between October 16 and 18. Senegal qualified automatically as hosts and reigning champions.
The tournament was initially scheduled for November 7–15, before it was adjusted, following Senegal’s sporting calendar.
The competition will also serve as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, with the two finalists expected to secure places at the global event.
Morocco impressed with an 11-3 aggregate victory over Libya, winning the return leg 7-1. Malawi were equally dominant, defeating Seychelles 16-3 on aggregate to secure their third consecutive appearance.
Uganda also qualified after overcoming Burundi 13-10 on aggregate, returning to the competition for the first time since 2022.
Angola advanced, after defeating Mauritius and overcoming Egypt in the second round, while Mozambique secured qualification against Tanzania. Mauritania completed the lineup by overturning a first-leg deficit to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 7-4 in the decisive return fixture.
Senegal will seek to extend their dominance after winning the last five editions, including the 2024 championship in Egypt.
With qualification complete, the eight nations will prepare for the tournament, where the African title and World Cup qualification places will be at stake.
The eight qualified teams for the 2026 BSAFCON are: Senegal (Hosts and defending champions), Morocco, Malawi, Ghana, Uganda, Angola, Mozambique, and Mauritania.