CHAN qualifier: Nigeria, Ghana play goalless draw in Accra
By Olaolu Joseph
The final qualifying fixture between Nigeria and Ghana for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) remains finely balanced after a goalless draw in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Ghana’s Black Galaxies dominated the first half with several chances but were unable to break through the Super Eagles’ resolute defense, led by Captain Nduka Junior.
In the 15th minute, Stephen Amankwoo came close to giving the hosts the lead, but his rising shot narrowly missed Henry Ozoemena’s goalpost.
On the cusp of halftime, Sikiru Alimi’s free-kick for Nigeria also flew over the bar, as both sides engaged in a tense, evenly matched contest.
The stalemate marks Nigeria’s best away result against Ghana in CHAN qualifiers, improving on past defeats: a 2-3 loss in 2008 and a 0-2 loss in 2022.
Both teams will now shift their focus to the decisive second leg, scheduled for Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The aggregate winner will earn the sole WAFU B spot at the biennial championship, which is exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues.
The 2025 African Nations Championship, the tournament’s eighth edition, will be hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from February 1 to 28.
