Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team, also known as the CHAN team, played out a goalless draw with the Black Galaxies of Ghana in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Dan Ogunmodede named an experienced side for the encounter, but notably left out veteran Rabiu Ali as Nigeria sought to qualify for the biennial tournament.
The Black Galaxies started the brighter of the two teams, mounting early pressure on the Nigerian defence, which stood firm under the leadership of Nduka Junior and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi.
Ghana’s Stephen Amankwaa found a rare opening in the 15th minute, only to see his powerful shot narrowly miss Henry Ozoemena’s goalpost.
Nigeria’s best chance of the first half came just before half-time, when they were awarded a promising free kick near the Ghanaian box.
Unfortunately, Nduka Junior’s effort sailed harmlessly over the bar. Sikiru Alimi, though isolated upfront, managed to carve out an opportunity for Nigeria, but it went unconverted.
The second half began much like the first, with Ghana on the front foot.
However, Nigeria nearly broke the deadlock when substitute Papa Daniel found space near the Ghanaian box and unleashed a shot that beat Black Galaxies' goalkeeper Richard Mensah but agonizingly struck the crossbar.
Nigeria hold firm to set up explosive second leg
Ghana responded with a chance of their own when Albert Amoah set up Jerry Afriyie, but the latter failed to capitalize, mishitting his cross in a promising position.
As the clock ticked down, Nigeria’s coach Dan Ogunmodede introduced Stephen Manyo to fortify the defense, ensuring the Super Eagles held on for a hard-earned draw.
This scoreless result marks Nigeria’s best away performance against Ghana in CHAN qualifying history, surpassing their 2-3 loss in 2008 and the 0-2 defeat in 2022.
Attention now shifts to the second leg, scheduled for Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The aggregate winner will secure the sole WAFU B ticket to the CHAN tournament, which is exclusively reserved for professional footballers competing in their respective domestic leagues.
The eighth edition of the African Nations Championship will take place across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from January 1st to 28th.
Nigeria Starting XI
Henry Ozoemena Abi; Ismail Sodiq, Imo Obot, Nduka Junior, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Babajide Fatokun, Saviour Isaac, Zayyad Musa, Adamu Abubakar, Anas Yusuf, Sikiru Alimi.
