Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles are expected to return to the country later tonight following their 5-4 victory over Mauritania in first leg of the 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match played on Saturday evening.
The two-time African champions, who were featuring in their first international game in five years, showed character and desire to record a hard-fought comeback win against their hosts in Nouakchott.
Abdullahi Isa’s side started on a bright note as one of the experienced legs, Emeka Ogbonna, scored the opener inside three minutes.
Emmanuel Ohwoferia doubled the lead for Nigeria 36 seconds later, but the hosts pulled one back just before the end of the first period.
The hosts however turned the tie around scoring two quick goals to take the lead in the second period but the Sand Eagles showed resolve as veteran, Victor Tale, levelled the tie at 3-3.
The third period served more twists as Mauritania once again took a 4-3 lead, but Taiwo Adams brought the Sand Eagles on level terms for the second time in the tie.
The Sand Eagles had the final say as Tale again, scored what turned out to be the winning goal to give Nigeria the edge going into the reverse fixture.
Nigeria will host their opponents at the Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna on Saturday afternoon.
A draw or the Super Sand Eagles on aggregate will see them qualify for the 2024 Beach AFCON that will be staged in Egypt.
