NIGERIA: Three-time champions, Nigeria beat Senegal in Copa Lagos Beach Soccer tournament

Record ID: 236277

  • Title: NIGERIA: Three-time champions, Nigeria beat Senegal in Copa Lagos Beach Soccer tournament
  • Date: 16th December 2013
  • Summary: LAGOS, NIGERIA (DECEMBER 15, 2013) (REUTERS) BOYS HOLDING NIGERIAN FLAG WALKING INTO THE PITCH BOYS HOLDING NIGERIAN FLAG/SENEGAL AND NIGERIAN PLAYERS WALKING INTO THE PITCH BOYS HOLDING SENEGALESE FLAG VARIOUS OF NIGERIAN AND SENEGAL'S TEAMS LINE UP VARIOUS OF FANS LOOKING ON FANS SINGING VARIOUS OF SUPER SAND EAGLES SCORING A GOAL AGAINST SENEGAL/PLAYERS CELEBRATING VARIOUS OF FANS CHEERING (SOUNDBITE) (English) LADI BALOGUN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK, SAYING: "I think we've learnt a lot from prior years and therefore, it gets better and better in terms of organization and I think also Nigeria having been winning since the tournament, they're building a strong following so a lot of people are anticipating success." VARIOUS OF SUPER SAND EAGLES SCORING A GOAL AND CELEBRATING FANS CHEERING (SOUNDBITE) (English) EBI ATAWODI, BEACH SOCCER FAN, SAYING: "You've got one chance, if you don't come prepared and you don't take the opportunities, you lose them and that's what these boys did, our boys demonstrated today, they really were Sand Eagles, they really flew, they really sort of kept us at the edge of our seats, I almost fell off a couple of times and they won and that's all that matters at the end of the day." (SOUNDBITE) (English) EMMANUEL MUNIS, BEACH SOCCER FAN, SAYING: "I believe by introducing beach soccer in various parts of Nigeria, a lot of talented Nigerians will be discovered to also represent Nigeria at national level." VARIOUS OF NIGERIAN AND SENEGAL'S PLAYERS SHAKING HANDS AND HUGGING (SOUNDBITE) (English) AMADU DIOB, SENEGAL TEAM COACH, SAYING: "I congratulate this team of Nigeria because they are the winner. Also, I see it was very nice final because the level is very good and also I see today we're not lucky because we lost many goals." NIGERIAN PLAYERS DISPLAYING THE MOST VALUED PLAYER AWARD WITH TEAM MATE HOLDING A BIRD VARIOUS OF NIGERIAN TEAM CARRYING THE TROPHY AND CELEBRATING
  • Embargoed: 31st December 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Nigeria
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA55ZIH0CO03D41I5AS116TKETN
  • Story Text: Fans of beach soccer gathered in Lagos on Sunday (December 15) to watch the climax of the three-day COPA championship that saw Nigeria and Senegal battle it out for the coveted trophy.
    Nigeria scored an early goal in the fifth minute but a goal from the Senegalese team in the third minute of the second half put both teams on an equal footing.
    Organised by local sports marketing company, Kinetic sports in partnership with several private companies, hopes are high that the annual event will help improve soccer in the country and boost Nigeria's chances at international competitions.

    "I think we've learnt a lot from prior years and therefore, it gets better and better in terms of organization and I think also Nigeria having been winning since the tournament, they're building a strong following so a lot of people are anticipating success," said Ladi Balogun, Managing Director, First City Monument Bank, one of the tournament sponsors.
    After over an hour of nerve-wracking play, Nigeria carried the day, defeating Senegal 4:2.

    "You've got one chance, if you don't come prepared and you don't take the opportunities, you lose them and that's what these boys did, our boys demonstrated today, they really were Sand Eagles, they really flew, they really sort of kept us at the edge of our seats, I almost fell off a couple of times and they won and that's all that matters at the end of the day," said Ebi Atawodi, an excited fan who came to watch the games.

    "I believe by introducing beach soccer in various parts of Nigeria, a lot of talented Nigerians will be discovered to also represent Nigeria at national level," added Emmanuel Munis, another beach soccer fan.
    Despite losing, Senegal's coach said he was satisfied with the outcome and the better team won.

    "I congratulate this team of Nigeria because they are the winner. Also, I see it was very nice final because the level is very good and also I see today we're not lucky because we lost many goals," said Amadu Diop, head coach, Senegal national beach soccer team.
    To make it to the finals, the Super Sand Eagles had an easy win against Germany with a 7:1 victory but had to fight harder in the game against Lebanon which ended 4:3 on penalties. The Eagles have won the tournament three years in a row since its inception in 2011.
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