After a five-year hiatus, Nigeria’s beach soccer national team, the Supersand Eagles, made a triumphant return with a 5-4 victory over Mauritania in the first leg of their Nations Cup qualification match. The encounter took place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Nouakchott.
Late Preparation, Early Success
Despite a late start in their preparation, the Supersand Eagles have achieved their initial objective and now aim to secure their place in the 2024 Beach African Cup of Nations with a win in the second leg next week in Nigeria. The team has been absent from the international scene for some time, but under the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau, they have made a strong comeback.
Revival of the Supersand Eagles
Ahead of the 2024 Beach African Cup of Nations, the Supersand Eagles were drawn against Mauritania. The team, led by Beach Soccer Committee Chairman Otuekong Nse Essien, traveled for the game on Friday. The match in Nouakchott was intensely contested, but Nigeria emerged victorious with a narrow 5-4 win over the hosts.
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Key Players and Leadership
The Nigeria Football Federation recently appointed Abdullahi Isa as the head coach of the Supersand Eagles. The squad includes experienced players such as Victor Tale and Emeka Ogbonna, along with Arome Isah, Adams Taiwo, Emmanuel Ohwoferia, Godwin Tale, Egan-Osi Ekujimi, Chidozie Frank, and Hassan Abdullahi.
Looking Ahead
The Supersand Eagles will look to finish the job in the return leg, scheduled for Saturday, July 27, in Nigeria. With a strong performance in Nouakchott, the team is well-positioned to advance to the 2024 Beach African Cup of Nations and continue their resurgence on the international stage.
