Nov. 1 (PREMIUM TIMES) – The National Beach Soccer Team, known as Supersand Eagles, stormed into the semi finals of the on-going Samsung Intercontinental Cup Invitational Tournament on Thursday with a 6-5 defeat of Japan.

On Thursday, Bartholomew Ibenegbu scored four goals to steer the African vice champions past the Japanese in Dubai. Two other goals came from Abu Azeez. After the victory, the Nigerians had to wait for the last match of Group B, between Brazil and Switzerland, to be confirmed as semi finalists.

Four-time world champions Brazil narrowly edged the Swiss 4-1 to finish at the top of the group.

Finishing top of the table enabled the South Americans to avoid reigning world champions Russia.

The Nigeria team which triumphed at the four-nation COPA Lagos Invitational in December 2011, and battled Brazil to extra time in the World Cup quarter finals in Italy three months earlier, now face the world champions in the semi finals.

Brazil will take on host United Arab Emirates in the other semi final, the matches come up on Friday.

Supersand coach, Audu Adamu, is confident that the team will play well against the Russians.

“We are ready for the Russians,” he said. “Of course, we don’t fear any team. Last year, at COPA Lagos, we defeated Brazil, as well as England and South Africa. My boys are rearing to go. We respect all the top teams but we don’t fear any.”