Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles emphatically secured their qualification for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a resounding 3-1 victory over their Ghanaian counterparts, the Black Galaxies, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. The match, played on Saturday, was the second leg of their CHAN qualifier, with the first leg ending in a goalless draw in Accra, Ghana. The Eagles’ dominant performance, particularly in the first half, saw them secure three goals, effectively putting the tie beyond Ghana’s reach. This victory holds special significance for Nigeria, not only for securing their place in the tournament but also for avenging previous defeats at the hands of Ghana in past CHAN qualifiers.
The Nigerian team, composed entirely of players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), showcased their attacking prowess early on. Remo Stars duo Sodiq Ismail and Nduka Junior were instrumental in establishing Nigeria’s lead, scoring within the first 22 minutes of the game. Ismail’s goal, likely coming from his midfield position, set the tone for the match, while Junior’s contribution further solidified their early dominance. Rangers’ forward, Kazeem Ogunleye, added to Ghana’s woes by scoring the third goal just three minutes later, effectively sealing the Eagles’ victory in the first half. This quick succession of goals highlighted the team’s cohesive attacking strategy and individual brilliance.
Despite trailing by three goals, Ghana managed to find the back of the net in the 73rd minute through Stephen Amankuna. However, this late goal served merely as a consolation, as Nigeria maintained their composure and defensive solidity to see out the remaining minutes of the game. The Black Galaxies’ efforts to mount a comeback were thwarted by the resolute Nigerian defense, determined not to relinquish their hard-earned lead. The final whistle confirmed Nigeria’s qualification for the CHAN tournament, marking their return to the competition after their absence in the 2020 edition.
The 2025 CHAN tournament is set to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, taking place from February 1st to 25th. Nigeria’s participation marks a significant opportunity for the home-based players to showcase their talent on the continental stage. Their previous best performance in the CHAN came in 2018 when they finished as runners-up, losing to Morocco in the final. This upcoming tournament provides a platform for the Eagles B to strive for an even better result and potentially claim their first CHAN title.
The victory against Ghana resonates deeply within Nigerian football, considering the historical context of their previous encounters in CHAN qualifiers. Ghana had previously eliminated Nigeria from the competition in both 2008 and 2022, making this triumph particularly sweet. Overcoming their rivals in such a convincing manner not only secures qualification but also serves as a statement of intent for the upcoming tournament. The Eagles B have demonstrated their capabilities and will undoubtedly be aiming to make a significant impact in the 2025 CHAN.
The report of this significant victory comes from Peter Akinbo, a sports journalist with a focus on combat sports, special features, and human-angle stories for PUNCH, a prominent Nigerian newspaper. Akinbo, with nearly two years of experience covering sports for the publication, provides valuable insights into the Nigerian sporting landscape. The article is subject to copyright protection, as is all digital content published by PUNCH, emphasizing the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and seeking prior written permission for any reproduction or redistribution. This ensures the integrity of journalistic work and protects the creators’ rights.
