The Super Sand Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday defeated Egypt 7-6 to qualify for the final of the 2018 AFCON Beach Soccer tournament. In the process, they also booked a place in next year’s Beach Soccer World Cup to be hosted by Paraguay.

Four goals from Abu Azeez powered the Adamu Audu-led Eagles past the host nation in the thrilling semi-final encounter which was played at the Laguna Vista Stadium in Sharm El Sheikh.

Strikes from Azeez and Taiwo Adams put the Sand Eagles ahead in the first quarter before the Egyptians pulled one back through Moustafa Aly.

The Nigerian team continued their dominance in the second and third periods as Emeka Ogbonna and Azeez increased their goal tally to 6 but the North Africans attempted a comeback with two goals courtesy of Moustafa Samir’s free kicks.

In the final quarter, the Egyptians put in everything and leveled the scores at 6 goals apiece but while the game was heading into extra time, Ogbonna punished the Pharaohs with the winning strike.

With this victory, Nigeria will  feature in the final of the African Beach Soccer Cup of Nations where they will face the winners of Thursday’s other semi-final clash between Senegal and Morocco.