Nigeria
began her quest for a maiden FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on a poor note, losing
12-6 to Italy. Despite not
having the best preparations in the weeks and months leading up to the
competition, coach Adamu Adamu's team put up a brave showing against the
Europeans in the early hours of Friday at the National Beach Soccer Arena,
Nassau, Bahamas.
Abu Azeez
(hat-trick), 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.
The Super
Sand Eagles started well and went two goals up through Igudia and Tale in the
first period before the Italians rallied back to ensure the first period ended
in 2-2 draw.
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 before conceding the third goal.
There was
injury scare for Nigeria in the seventh minute of the second period as captain
Isiaka Olawale went down clutching his leg, but he managed see the match out.
Next up for
Nigeria will be Mexico on Saturday, while Italy face Iran in the second round
of Group B matches.
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