The Tiki Toa had every chance of qualifying after beating Venezuela in their opening match but two consecutive losses to Russia and Nigeria now sees them packing their bags.
With both teams chasing the win, there were plenty of chances in the first period but surprisingly it finiished scoreless. Nigeria, playing in their fourth FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, started to control possession and the tempo of the game going into the second period while the Oceania champs looked dangerous on the counter attack.
Nigeria opened the scoring through Victor Tale but Tahiti’s inspirational player-coach hit back with a powerful strike moments later to make it 1-1 midway through the second period. The goalscoring continued as Tale and Musa Najare found the back of the net to take Nigeria out to a 3-1 lead.
The third and final period saw Nigeria consolidate their lead and add one more through Ogbonnaya Okemmiri with the 4-1 result eventually flattering the West Africans.
Nigeria will now move on to play Group D winner Brazil on 8 September in the quarter-finals, while Tahiti head for home with their heads held high after a credible showing in their first ever FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
For more on the tournament go to www.fifa.com

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