TheCable

Nigeria’s Sand Eagles have been knocked out of the 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup in Bahamas.

The Sand Eagles lost to Iran on penalties after extra time.

Iran drew first blood through Mohammed Ahmadzadeh in the 8th minute of the first period.

The period ended 1-0 but Victor Tale equalised for Nigeria three minutes into the second period.

Mohammed Mokhtari shot Iran ahead two minutes later while Emmanuel Owhoferia equalised for Nigeria.

Ahmadzadeh scored his second of the game while Godspower Igudia levelled for the Sand Eagles shortly before the end of second period.

For the first time in the game, Ibenegbu got Nigeria ahead in the 9th minute of the third period but Mohktari equalised almost immediately with an overhead kick.

The scoreline was 4-4 at the end of the third period.

Three minutes of extra time saw both side’s efforts go off target, hence the game needed penalty shootout for  a winner to emerge.

Iran won the penalty shootout to join Italy in the quarterfinal of the tournament.