Super Sand Eagles of Nigeria won their third game the hard way after being a man down for all of the last two periods and overtime.
The team defeated Cote d’Ivoire 7-6 at the 2015 African Beach Soccer Championship Group A match on Thursday, in Victoria, Seychelles.
The Audu Adamu Ejo-tutored side had already bagged a semi-final ticket before the game, but the 2011 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists put that aside and played as if the match was a win-or-bust.
However, Cote d’Ivoire scored first before the Sand Eagles levelled.
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The game tilted towards the Elephants after Igudia Godspower was shown the red card late in the first period.
The numerical advantage saw Cote d’Ivoire dominate the game, but the Sand Eagles fought gallantly as captain Isiaka Olawale led the charges well on the beach.
He scored two goals which was also matched by Emeka Ogbonna, with a goal each from Azeez, Bartholomew Ibenegbu and Adams Taiwo.
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Ogbonna, who now has six goals, scored the overtime goal that gave Nigeria victory after full time ended 6-6.
Nigeria will now play the second-placed team in Group B in Saturday’s semi-finals.
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