NIGERIA: BEACH SOCCER - Defending champions, Supersand Eagles retain their title in a sensational defeat against Portugal in the second edition of the Copa Lagos beach soccer tournament held in Nigeria's commercial city over the weekend

Record ID: 235865

  • Title: NIGERIA: BEACH SOCCER - Defending champions, Supersand Eagles retain their title in a sensational defeat against Portugal in the second edition of the Copa Lagos beach soccer tournament held in Nigeria's commercial city over the weekend
  • Date: 17th December 2012
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) ABU AZEEZ, NIGERIAN PLAYER SAYING: "It's a great honour to be among the members that won the first edition and still retaining it right now."
  • Embargoed: 1st January 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Nigeria
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA7KR3L9IWD2RZHYRVQ5F6NJTAJ
  • Story Text: Hundreds of fans turned up at the Eko Atlantic Beach soccer stadium in Lagos, Nigeria to watch this year's soccer tournament, which kicked off on December 14.
    The three day event promises a thrilling weekend annually, for visitors looking for lots of fun and excitement.
    Now in its second year, the tournament saw teams from Lebanon, Argentina, Portugal and Nigeria participate.
    Defending champions, Nigeria's Supersand Eagles clashed with Portugal in the finals on Sunday after defeating Argentina 5-0 the previous day.
    The energy packed match saw six time European champion, Portugal, put on a tough defence against Nigeria, but the supersand eagles fought hard to make an exciting comeback after being down at the end of the second period, resulting in a 7-7 score in the third period.
    With fans cheering and chanting songs of victory, Nigeria's Bartholomew Ibenegbu struck in a sensational goal two minutes to the end of extra time which sealed the fate of the Nigerian team as two time winners of the tournament in an 8-7 score.
    The vibrant event organised by local sports marketing company, Kinetic sports, and included music and fashion shows as well as performances from local artists.
    Renowned international cheerleading group, Personal Plus delighted fans with some of their routines. The group performed at the recent London Olympics among other prestigious sports events.

    "I lost but I feel great, this was a very professional tournament, I heard last year was a very good one but we could see here in Nigeria, very great event," said Joao Carlos Delgado, Portugal's goalkeeper.
    Nigeria made history last year when they defeated former world champions, Brazil 9-4 in a shocking final in the first edition of the Copa Lagos.
    Nigeria's performance encouraged event organizers to make the cup an annual tournament that wants to push for development of the sport in Africa.

    "Yeah, I'm so happy, like the Portugal, they were a very good team, they played very well but Nigeria, we played well too and we fought back and we won," said Seyi Ogun, a fan who came to watch the games.
    Lebanon became the first team from the Middle East to take part in the Copa Lagos tournament, and finished in second place.
    Nigeria wants to take the lead in African beach soccer and was pushed by the amazing received from fans in the stands.

    "It's a great honour to be among the members that won the first edition and still retaining it right now," said super sand eagles player," said Abu Azeez.
    Nigeria hopes to start a league in future to enable them hone their skills further and the stay on top of their game.

    "You know we just came back from Dubai, if not you cannot use 9 days to come here and win a cup, they have been training, they have league, we don't have league, I'm using grass players but I know by next year we are starting the league," said Audu Adamu, the super sand eagles coach.
    Nigeria won all three of their games in the four team tournament.
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