Nigeria Suffer Their Heaviest Ever Defeat At A FIFA Tournament

Published: November 23, 2019

Nigeria recorded their heaviest ever defeat at a FIFA tournament on Friday as the Super Sand Eagles were thrashed 10-1 by Portugal in their 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup opener at Los Pynandi Stadium, Luque.

The biggest defeat Nigeria had experienced prior to yesterday's encounter was on June 6, 1995 when the Super Falcons were beaten 8-0 by Norway at the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Azeez Abu's assured finish in the closing minutes of the first period gave Nigeria the lead but the Selecção das Quinas scored five goals each in the second and third periods to earn a comprehensive win.

Belchior (2), Jordan, Torres (3), Coimbra (2), Leo Martins and Madjer were all on the mark for the Portuguese.

While the Portuguese were very clinical in front of goal, the Super Sand Eagles failed to convert their chances and goalkeeper Paul Danjuma was suspect.

Even after yesterday's loss, Nigeria can still progress to the quarterfinals of the competition if they thrash Oman and Brazil in their next Group D games.

Coach Audu Adamu's side will face Oman on November 24, before battling the South American powerhouse two days later.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : fifa.com