Mauritania 4-5 Nigeria: Sand Eagles make strong BSAfcon return with away win

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria Beach Soccer national team made a huge statement on the return to international scene for the first time since 2019 with a 5-4 triumph over Mauritania in the first leg of the 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) Qualifiers in Nouakchott on Saturday.

The two-time African champions took a two goal lead in the first period with goals from Emeka Ogbonna and Adams Taiwo.

However, the hosts pulled a goal back before the end of the first period.

The first part of the second period was a nightmare for Nigeria as Mauritania equalised from the penalty spot before taking the lead for the first time in the match.

The West African side were determined not to go down without a fight as Victor Tale netted the equaliser for 3-3 from the penalty spot.

Mauritania restored their lead in the third period but Super Sand Eagles restored parity immediately from kick off.

With few minutes to the end of the game, the winning goal came off the foot of captain Victor Tale, giving Nigeria a slim lead ahead of the return leg on Saturday, July 27, 2024.

The winner on aggregate will qualify for the 2024 BSAFCON in Egypt.