Sand Eagles whitewash Seychelles in opening match

Super Sand Eagles of Nigeria defeated Seychelles 10-1 in the opening game of the CAF African Beach Soccer Championship on Tuesday.

Goals from Emeka Ogbonna (2), Bartholomew Ibenegbu (2), Emmanuel Ohweferi, Abu Azeez (2), Isiaka Olawale, Adams Taiwo, and Victor Tale condemned the host – who are making their debut in the championship – to defeat.

The win gives Nigeria three points and the top spot in Group A. They will now face Egypt on Thursday while Seychelles will meet Cote d’Ivoire, on Wednesday.

Nigeria began the match in a slow tempo but got into their groove after taking the lead through Ogbonna.

Ibenegbu doubled the lead for the Sand Eagles before the end of the first half.

Seychelles resumed the second half on a strong note but their enthusiasm and acrobatic skills couldn’t produce any goals.

It was the Nigerians who added a third goal on a long and low dribbling shot from Emmanuel. Two quick goals from the Audu Adamu Ejo-tutored side made the score 5-0.

The first ever goal in an African Beach Soccer Championship was well worth the wait for Seychelles, as Mathiot’s shot from distance bounced off the inside of the crossbar to put the score at 6-1.

Nigeria finished the second twelve minutes 7-1 up from Taiwo’s effort.

The third half saw yet more great display from the hosts to curtail the Nigerians from adding to their lead.

But the eighth goal did come for the Nigerians after a great individual effort from Ibenegbu.

Two late goals from Tale and Abu completed the rout.

In the other games played on Tuesday, Egypt held Cote d’Ivoire to a 3-3 draw. Senegal beat Morocco 7-3 while Ghana lost 9-4 to Madagascar.