TheCable

The Super Sand Eagles were heavily thrashed by Italy in their first group game of the 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup game in Bahamas.

The Italian side defeated Nigeria 12-6 at the National Beach Soccer Arena in Nassau.

Abu Azeez scored a hat trick while Victor Tale, Godspower Igudia and Emeka Ogbonnaya were the other scorers for Nigeria.

Italian talisman, Gabrielle Gori, scored six goals in the game.

Audu Adamu’s men started on a high to go two goals up through Godspower Igudia and Victor Tale in the first period.

But the Italians fought back to ensure the first period ended in a 2-2 draw.

Ogbonna 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.

Paul also made two more brilliant saves later in the game.

The Super Sand Eagles will play their second game on Saturday against Mexico while Italy will face Iran.