Sand Eagles lose World Cup opener to Italy

Nigeria Super Sand Eagles failed to sparkle as they lost their first
Group B game of the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 6-12 against Italy
in the early hours of Friday morning at the National Beach Soccer Arena
in Nassau, Bahamas.

Enterprising Abu Azeez scored a hat trick,
Godspower Igudia, Emeka Ogbonna and Victor Tale were also scorers on the
day but Italy’s Gori stole the show with after scoring six goals for
Italy.

The Audu Adamu led side took the lead twice in the first
period with goals from Godspower Igudia and Victor Tale before the
Italians rallied back to ensure the first period ended in a 2-2 draw.

Gabriele
Gori followed his impressive scoring exploits in European qualifying
with six goals for the Italians and Paolo Palmacci contributed to the
victory with a hat-trick, including two bicycle kick goals.

The Sand Eagles will face Mexico this Saturday. The Mexicans lost 2-3 to Iran in the other Group B game.