Nigeria’s Super Eagles B side secured their place at the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Ghana’s Black Galaxies in their second-leg clash on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
After a tense goalless draw in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium, the return fixture promised to be a fierce encounter—and the Super Eagles B did not disappoint.
Super Eagles first-half masterclass
The home side flew out of the blocks, taking control of the game early on. Sodiq Ismail opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a composed finish, igniting celebrations in the packed stadium.
Just three minutes later, Nduka Junior doubled Nigeria’s advantage, finishing off a well-worked move to make it 2-0.
The Super Eagles B were relentless, pressing high and exploiting gaps in Ghana’s defence.
Their pressure paid off again in the 26th minute when Isaac Saviour capitalized on a defensive mix-up by the Black Galaxies.
The Rangers forward showed great composure, dribbling past the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into an empty net to give Nigeria a commanding 3-0 lead.
It could have been four before half-time when Sikiru Alimi found himself through on goal, but a last-ditch tackle from the Ghanaian defence denied him a golden opportunity.
It was a dominant first-half performance, with the Super Eagles B firing on all cylinders while Ghana struggled to find answers.
Ghana's late fight back
To their credit, the Black Galaxies came out stronger in the second half, determined to salvage some pride. They began to find their rhythm, creating a few chances to test Nigeria’s backline.
Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Stephen Amenkona pulled one back with a well-taken goal, offering Ghana a glimmer of hope.
However, the Super Eagles B held firm, maintaining their composure to see out the game and secure the win.
The 3-1 aggregate victory means Nigeria’s Super Eagles B have qualified for CHAN 2025, which will take place from February 1 to February 25, marking the first time the tournament will be co-hosted by three nations.
Nigeria’s starting XI:
Henry Ani; Sodiq Ismail, Junior Nduka, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Imo Obot; Zayyad Musa, Jide Fatokun, Isaac Saviour; Sadiq Abubakar, Sikiru Alimi, Papa Daniel.
Substitutes:
Bankole, Stephen Manyo, Ojetoye Waliu, Kazeem Ogunleye, Samuel Ayanrinde, Emmanuel Ogbole, Rabiu Ali.
