FIFA World Cup: Beach Eagles In Group Of Death

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Beach Soccer team, known as the Beach Eagles, have been drawn alongside world champions, Brazil, Portugal and Oman for the 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Championship in Paraguay.

At the draw held in Asuncion, Paraguay’s capital, Nigeria will start its campaign at the world cup with Portugal in Group D.

Sixteen teams are participating and competing for the coveted trophy, which has over the years eluded Africa, Asia, Oceania and North America.

Drawn into Group A, the hosts, Paraguay,  will play Japan in their tournament opener on Thursday 21st November. Switzerland and USA are the other two sides in the group.

Five-time competition winners, Brazil, kick off their campaign a day later against Oman.

Runners-up at the last two world finals, the ever-entertaining Tahiti will kick off against Italy, while two-time world champions Russia will do likewise against Senegal.

Olawale Isiaka, the captain of the Beach Eagles, said that Nigeria is drawn in a tough group that has two world cup winners, Brazil and Portugal, but he is optimistic that the Eagles could spring up a surprise.