The Nigeria’s Supersand Eagles will return on Tuesday after they stunned hosts Mauritania 5-4 in a Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Saturday.
In their first international game in five years, the Coach Abdullahi Issa led squad came from behind to defeat the hosts in an action-packed encounter in Nouakchott.
Highly-experienced Emeka Ogbonna scored after only two minutes and 14 seconds to set the Supersand Eagles in the right spirit and mood for victory, and another veteran, Emmanuel Ohwoferia doubled the lead for Nigeria 36 seconds later.
The hosts halved the deficit to end the first period 1-2.In the second period, Mauritania hit two quick goals to shoot to the lead, before another veteran, Victor Tale equalized for Nigeria.
The hosts again shot into the lead early in the third period, but goals by Taiwo Adams and Tale gave Nigeria the day, and the needed impetus ahead of the return leg.
The return leg will hold at the Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna on Saturday afternoon.