The final qualifying match between Nigeria and Ghana for next year’s African Nations Championship remains finely balanced after the first leg concluded in a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Ghana’s Black Galaxies were the more aggressive side in the opening half, creating several chances, but they were unable to breach the Super Eagles’ defense, expertly organized by Captain Nduka Junior.
In the 15th minute, Stephen Amankwoo managed to find a gap in the Eagles’ backline, but his powerful shot narrowly missed the target, going just wide of Henry Ozoemena’s goal.
A free-kick taken by Sikiru Alimi just before halftime also sailed over the crossbar, as the match turned into a back-and-forth contest between the two regional rivals.
This scoreless result marks Nigeria’s best performance against Ghana in an away qualifying match for the African Nations Championship, following previous losses of 2-3 in 2008 and a two-goal defeat in 2022.
Both teams are now preparing for the second leg, scheduled for Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The aggregate winner will represent WAFU B at the upcoming biennial championship, which is exclusively for professional players competing in their home country’s domestic leagues.
The eighth edition of the African Nations Championship will take place in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from February 1 to 28, 2025.
