NIGERIA BEAT MOROCCO 7-6 IN COPA LAGOS

LAGOS, Nigeria – Morocco’s Nassim El Hadaoui insists he is not disappointed after his side narrowly lost 7-6 against Nigeria in Friday’s evening encounter at the Eko Atlantic.

Coach Mustapha El Hadaoui’s men had hit the ground running with an early 2-0 lead but in the end, bowed to the late comeback of the Supersand Eagles in the Copa Lagos clash. And Nassim, who troubled the west African giants for the entire duration, reserved respect for the inspiring role of Emeka Ogbonna, Abu Azeez and Victor Tale in the hosts’ triumph.

“It was a fine match. We started well in the game but we couldn’t hold on before we lost it the end,” Nassim told media.

“We wanted to defeat Nigeria to avenge our (semi-final) loss here in the African Beach Soccer Nations Cup last year but that didn’t happen. I must give credit to my teammates because we really fought hard to beat Nigeria but unfortunately, we failed to win.

“I’m not disappointed at all because we played against a strong team that has the likes of Emeka (Ogbonna), Abu (Azeez) and Tale (Victor). So, it was not a bad result for us.

Ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Spain, who subdued Lebanon 7-3, the Moroccan forward said: “We hope to come back strongly against Spain. It will not be an easy game but I think we have a chance. We will fight with everything in us to ensure we get a good result against them.”

Bulgani pleased with goalscoring debut in Nigeria win

Bulgani Umar is delighted after he scored on his debut in Nigeria’s 7-6 comeback victory over Morocco in their Copa Lagos Beach Soccer opener at the Eko Atlantic. The Kebbi Beach Soccer Club product made his first appearance in the country’s colours against the north Africans and scored the Supersand Eagles’ second goal in their first period of the encounter.

And he lauded his teammates’ fighting spirit and revealed his desire to propel Audu Adamu’s side to reclaim the title they last won in 2013.

“I’m very happy and full of joy for the opportunity given me to play for the country,” Bulgani told media. I’m indeed proud and overwhelmed to have scored in my first game and help my team win its opening match of the tournament.

“It’s a dream come true for me and I’m pleased we started the competition on a winning note. Morocco really pushed us hard but we fought as a team and the victory was really important.

“We are done with Morocco and I believe we can do better against Lebanon in our next game. We hope to win all our games and get the Copa Lagos trophy back,” he concluded.