Referee Error in Nigeria vs Ghana Beach Soccer Match

In the first leg of the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifying tie, Nigeria's Super Sand Eagles and Ghana's Black Sharks played to a 3-3 draw at the Murtala Muhammed Square Beach Soccer Pitch in Kaduna. However, match officials, led by Moroccan referee Driss Lamghaidar, mistakenly allowed the match to proceed to extra time and a penalty shootout, which Ghana won 5-4.

Following the match, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) demanded an explanation from the officials regarding the decision to extend the match, as it was the first leg of a two-match tie. During a meeting, the referee acknowledged the error, confirming that the match should have concluded at 3-3.

This correction means that the initial shootout result is void, and both teams will contest qualification in the return leg scheduled for October 18 in Keta, Ghana. The incident raises concerns about the impact of officiating errors on the reputation of African football.