By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria, on Sunday night, played out a goalless draw with Ghana in the first leg of the final qualifying fixture for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana’s Black Galaxies dominated the first period with several opportunities, but they found the Super Eagles’ rearguard, marshalled by Captain Nduka Junior, impenetrable.
Stephen Amankwoo found a leeway through the Eagles’ defence in the 15th minute, only to see his rising shot go inches wide of Henry Ozoemena’s goalpost.
Sikiru Alimi’s free-kick, a minute before half-time, also went over the sticks as the game became a ding-dong affair between the regional powerhouses.
The scoreless affair is the best result Nigeria have earned against Ghana away in any qualifying contest for the African Nations Championship. The Eagles previously lost 2-3 to their hosts in 2008 and suffered a two-goal defeat in 2022.
Both teams now look forward to the second leg of the fixture, set for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday. The winner on aggregate will represent WAFU B at the biennial championship, which is reserved exclusively for professional footballers plying their trade in their country’s domestic leagues.
The eighth instalment of the African Nations Championship will be hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from February 1 to 28, 2025.
