Beach soccer World Cup: Nigeria lose 6-12 to Italy

Nigeria’s Supersand Eagles on Thursday night began their outing at the 2017 FIFA Beach World Cup in the Bahamas with a 6-12 loss to Italy.

Nigeria opened the scoring just two minutes into the game through Abu Azeez, while within seconds, Italy equalised through Paolo Palmacci.

Godspower Igudia restored Nigeria’s lead, while Emmanuele Zurlo levelled matters for Italy.

Danjuma Paul saved Italy’s Zurlo’s spot kick, while Gabrielle Gori grabbed a brace to make it 4-2 for Italy before the end of second period.

Victor Tale scored for Nigeria, as captain Isiaka Olawale’s spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Del Mestre.

Gori restored Italy’s two-goal lead, while Nigeria made it 4-5 through Emeka Ogbonna.

Michele Di Palma fired in Italy’s sixth goal of the game.

Abu scored again for Nigeria, while Gori gave the Italians an 8-5 lead with a brace, as Palmacci added two more to make it 10-5.

Gori again scored to make it 11-5 before Abu netted his hat-trick to make it 11-6.

Another strike from Alfioluca Chiavaro put the final score to 12-6.

The Supersand Eagles will later today face Mexico who lost 2-3 to Iran also in a group B game.