Credit: FIFA

Nigeria slumped to a heavy 12-6 defeat in their opening Group B match of the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup against Italy on Thursday.

Gabriele Gori followed his impressive scoring exploits in European qualifying with six goals against Audu Adamu’s men in Nassau.

Paolo Palmacci contributed to the victory with a hat-trick, including two bicycle kick goals.

Though Azeez Abu scored a hat-trick for the Sand Eagles, they were no match for the firepower of the Italians in the curtain raiser for both nations.

Nigeria next face Mexico on 29 April. The North American team lost their opening game 3-2 to Iran.