Coach of the Supersand Eagles, Abdullahi Isa has expressed disappointment following his team’s failure to secure victory against Mauritania in the return leg of the Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier held in Kaduna.

Despite winning the first leg away in Nouakchott, the Sand Eagles was unable to maintain their lead, ultimately losing the second leg.

Sand Eagles head coach, Abdullahi Isa. Photo | X (@SportingLagos)

Isa criticized the officiating during the match, suggesting that questionable decisions significantly impacted the game.

“Unluckily for us, we lost the game. We tried to win, but we couldn’t. I’m disappointed in the officiating. I don’t know what happened. Maybe they came with their own rules, I don’t know.

“They’re giving out penalties down there. At the last second, we conceded another one, which I don’t see as one at all. But that’s the game.”

Reflecting on the experience, Isa acknowledged the unpredictable nature of sports. “You play, sometimes you win, and then sometimes you lose. And there’s nothing you can do about it. So I think that’s just it. We’re out of the AFCON.”

Despite the setback, Isa remains optimistic about the team’s future.

“Nigeria will not be participating in the AFCON this year, but it’s a good experience. My first time as the head coach of the team, good experience for me. We went to Mauritania, we won 5-4 and then we lost here at home 6-5. Well, we did all we could but it didn’t happen. We wanted to but it didn’t happen.”