Nigeria Loses Heavily to Italy in Beach Soccer World Cup Opener

Nigeria’s Beach Soccer national team, the Super Sand Eagles in the early hours of Friday morning lost their first Group B game of the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 12-6 against Italy at the National Beach Soccer Arena, Nassau, Bahamas.

Abu Azeez (hattrick), Victor Tale, Godspower Igudia and Emeka Ogbonna were the scorers for Nigeria while Italy’s Gabriele Gori was the star of the show with six goals to his name.

Adamu Adamu’s side started well and went two goals up through Godspower Igudia and Victor Tale in the first period before the Italians rallied back to ensure the first period ended in 2-2 draw.

Ognonna Okemiri was yellow-carded in the first minute of the second period for a foul but the resultant penalty kick was saved by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Dami Paul who also made two more brilliant saves but unfortunately conceded the third goal.

Paul however saved a penalty in the match.

Nigeria will play Mexico on Saturday while Italy face Iran in the second round of Group B matches of the Beach Soccer World Cup.