The home-based Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a convincing 3-1 aggregate victory over the Black Galaxies of Ghana to claim a spot in the 2025 African Nations Championship.
In a dominant display on Saturday, Nigeria netted three goals in a remarkable six-minute span during the first half, ensuring a comprehensive win.
The result followed a goalless stalemate in the first leg held in Accra the previous weekend.
Sodiq Ismail, Junior Nduka, and Saviour Isaac were the heroes of the night, delivering the goals that helped Nigeria overcome past disappointments against Ghana.
Historically, the Black Galaxies had been a stumbling block, denying Nigeria a place in the 2009 and 2023 CHAN finals and emerging victorious after penalties in their 2014 semi-final clash in South Africa.
For this decisive leg, Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel was the sole alteration to the starting XI from the first leg, while seasoned player Rabiu Ali retained a spot on the bench.
Nigeria started on the front foot, taking control early in the match. Sodiq Ismail opened the scoring, capitalizing on a precise pass from Nduka Junior.
Moments later, Nduka himself made it 2-0 after Ghana failed to clear Papa Daniel’s corner kick.
The relentless pressure continued, with Saviour Isaac pouncing on a loose ball, rounding Ghanaian goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, and calmly slotting into an empty net for Nigeria’s third.
Leading comfortably, the Super Eagles shifted to a more measured pace in the second half.
Ghana managed a consolation goal through Stephen Amankona in the 73rd minute, but it was too little, too late.
With this triumph, Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles have secured their place in the 2025 tournament, which will take place across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in February.
