Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles, also known as the Eagles B, resoundingly triumphed over their long-standing rivals, Ghana’s Black Galaxies, in a thrilling encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The 3-1 victory secured their qualification for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), ending a six-year absence from the tournament specifically designed for players based in their respective domestic leagues. The win was particularly significant given Ghana’s previous dominance in CHAN qualifiers against Nigeria, having denied them qualification twice before. This victory not only marked a turning point in the rivalry but also served as a powerful statement of intent for the revitalized Eagles B.
The match itself was a captivating display of attacking football, especially in the first half. Remo Stars’ duo, Sodiq Ismail and Nduka Junior, orchestrated a swift and decisive opening, netting two goals within the first 22 minutes. Their dynamic play and clinical finishing set the tone for the match, putting the Black Galaxies on the back foot early on. Kazeem Ogunleye of Rangers International further solidified Nigeria’s dominance by adding a third goal just three minutes later, effectively putting the game beyond Ghana’s reach by the 25th minute. This rapid-fire offensive display showcased the talent and depth within the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), from which the Eagles B squad was exclusively drawn.
Ghana, despite pre-match pronouncements from their coach Didi Dramani about finding the net in Uyo, struggled to break through the resolute Nigerian defense. Their lone goal, a consolation strike by Stephen Amankuna in the 73rd minute, did little to alter the course of the match. The Eagles B maintained their composure, effectively neutralizing Ghana’s attempts to mount a comeback and securing a well-deserved victory. The win, overseen by Moroccan referee Hamza El Fariq, was a testament to the team’s tactical discipline and the effectiveness of the game plan implemented by the coaching staff.
The triumph against Ghana resonated deeply within Nigerian football circles. It represented more than just a qualification; it symbolized the resurgence of the domestic league and the potential of homegrown talent. Having finished third in the 2014 CHAN tournament and reaching the final in 2018, where they lost to hosts Morocco, the Eagles B now harbor ambitions of exceeding their previous achievements. The emphatic victory against Ghana has injected a renewed sense of confidence and optimism, fueling their aspirations for a strong showing in the 2025 tournament to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Stand-in coach Daniel Ogunmodede, who collaborated with Rangers’ Fidelis Ilechukwu to prepare the 23-man squad, expressed immense satisfaction with the historic achievement. He highlighted the significance of the CHAN qualification as a platform to showcase the talent within the NPFL, elevate the league’s profile, and inspire future generations of Nigerian footballers. The qualification offers an opportunity to demonstrate the quality of players within the domestic league to a wider audience, potentially opening doors for them to pursue professional careers abroad. This exposure is crucial for the development of Nigerian football and reinforces the importance of investing in and nurturing local talent.
The victory against Ghana represents a significant turning point in the CHAN rivalry between the two West African footballing giants. Having previously endured two losses and three draws in six CHAN encounters with the Black Galaxies, the Eagles B emphatically reversed the trend, asserting their dominance and sending a clear message of their intent to contend for the CHAN title. This victory, coupled with their impressive first-half performance, instilled a sense of belief and optimism in the team and the Nigerian football community as a whole, signalling a bright future for the home-based national team. The Eagles B now look forward to utilizing the upcoming months to further refine their strategies and solidify their team cohesion in preparation for the 2025 CHAN tournament.
