Sand Eagles to Face CIV, Egypt, Ghana in CAF Beach Soccer

Two-time African champions Nigeria will confront familiar foes in the shape of Egypt, Ivory Coast and Ghana in the group phase of the second edition of Caf Beach Soccer Cup of Nations that Nigeria will host from December 13-18.

At the draw ceremony held at the Caf headquarters in Egypt yesterday, champions Madagascar were drawn with Morocco, Libya and last year’s losing finalists, Senegal, in Group B.

NFF first Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, is at the head of the main organising committee set up by Nigeria for the event, which will be held at the Eko Atlantic Beach.

The Super Sand Eagles have won and lost against the Ivorians before, but have never lost to Ghana and Egypt.

Nigeria beat Egypt 4-1 at the 2015 finals in Seychelles last year to add to earlier triumphs over the North Africans in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Last year in Seychelles, the Super Sand Eagles edged the Ivorians 7-6 (in overtime) in the final group phase match before trouncing them 9-1 in the third place match. However, the Ivorians came to Lagos to defeat the Nigerians at the Copa Lagos Invitational Tournament.

Nigeria defeated Ghana 7-4 at the African Championship in Morocco in 2013 and then lashed their West African brothers 5-2 at the Power Horse Invitational Tournament in South Africa last year.