Home-based Eagles Beat Ghana 3-1 to Qualify for First CHAN in 6 years

Home-based Super Eagles delivered a solid performance to defeat Ghana’s Black Galaxies 3-1 in the second leg of their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

The victory secured a 3-1 aggregate win and sealed Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 CHAN tournament after a six-year absence. Following a goalless first leg, the home-based Eagles came out firing, scoring three goals in a stunning six-minute spell during the first half.

The win began with a 19th-minute goal from Sodiq Ismail, who capitalised on a defensive lapse, springing the offside trap to meet a long ball and slotting it under Ghanaian goalkeeper Benjamin Asare for the opening goal.

Captain Nduka Junior doubled the lead four minutes later with a clinical finish. After a poorly cleared corner kick was recycled into the box, Junior expertly volleyed the ball into the roof of the net at the near post.

Two minutes later, Isaac Saviour added a third goal following high pressing from Sikiru Alimi. A loose pass in Ghana’s defensive third allowed Saviour to round Asare and calmly place the ball into an empty net.

The Black Galaxies struggled to recover but managed a consolation goal in the 70th minute when Stephen Amankuna fired home from close range. Despite creating a few chances, Ghana could not mount a serious comeback against the tactically superior Nigerian side.

The win marks the first time the home-based Super Eagles have defeated their Ghanaian counterparts in three attempts. It also ends a six-year wait for CHAN qualification, as Nigeria missed the last two editions of the tournament.

The 2025 CHAN tournament will occur from February 1 to February 28, co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. The competition is exclusively for professional players active in their domestic leagues, providing a platform to showcase local talent on the continental stage.

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