The Super Sand Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday retained their Copa Lagos Beach Soccer trophy at the Eko Atlantic Beach Stadium in Victoria Island, Lagos, through Bathelomi Ibenegbu’s extra time goal.
The Eagles overpowered the Seleccao das Quinas of Portugal 8-7 in extra times after the tough three periods of the last match ended 7-7.
In the early minutes of the tension soaked tie, Ogbonnaya Okemmiri scored from a defensive challenge that caught Portuguese goalkeeper, Paulo Graca out of position to give Nigeria an early lead.
Shortly after that, Graca took a long range short from his goal and Super Sand Eagles goalkeeper, Oladapo Olalekan tipped it over the bar before Hose Maria scored twice via two overhead kicks to hand Portugal a 2-1 lead, although Abu Azeez restored parity for Nigeria.
The first period was winding up when Rui Coimbra dribbled through the Nigerian defence and slotted the ball into the far corner for their fourth goal, leaving keeper Olalekan helpless.
The Portuguese team raised their game in the second period, as they increased their lead through Marinho Dante who also helped Nigeria with a free goal when he raced back to defend putting the ball into their own net off Victor Tale’s shot to give Nigeria some bit of hope.
Nigeria leveled scores 7-7 in the third period, when Badmus Babatunde equalized from the sport, forcing the encounter into extra time.
The Nigerian team pressed further, as Ibenegbu netted the wining goal in the extra time to grab a slim victory against Portugal.
Nigeria went away with the trophy notching three clear victories, having defeated Lebanon 7-6 in Friday’s opening match and walloped Argentina 5-0 on Saturday.
Portugal, who defeated Argentina 4-0 in the tournament, received the runners up trophy while Abu Azeez of Nigeria took the most valuable player award as well as the top scorer award with 5 goals in the tournament.
