Nigeria Overpowers Black Galaxies to Secure 2025 CHAN Spot
Ghana’s Black Galaxies fell short in their bid to qualify for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team in the second leg of the final qualifying round on Saturday.
Playing at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, the Nigerians delivered a commanding performance to overturn the goalless draw from the first leg in Accra and book their ticket to the CHAN tournament in style.
The Super Eagles B team took control of the game early, with Sodiq Ismail opening the scoring. A perfectly timed pass from Nduka Junior split the Ghanaian defence, allowing Ismail to calmly slot the ball past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
Nduka Junior doubled Nigeria’s advantage with a spectacular strike, showcasing his technical prowess and adding to the pressure on the Black Galaxies.
Savior Isaac put the game beyond Ghana’s reach with a third goal, capitalizing on a defensive error. Sikiru Alimi’s relentless pressing forced a turnover, and Isaac made no mistake with his clinical finish.
Ghana managed to pull a goal back in the 73rd minute when substitute Stephen Amankona unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that left the Nigerian goalkeeper rooted.
Despite a brief spell of attacking momentum, the Black Galaxies could not muster a comeback, and the match ended 3-1 in favor of Nigeria.
The defeat marks a disappointing end for the Black Galaxies, who have historically enjoyed success against Nigeria in CHAN qualifiers.
Ghana eliminated the Super Eagles B team from the CHAN tournament in 2009 and 2023, adding extra weight to this year’s loss.
With this victory, Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team secured their spot in the 2025 CHAN tournament, joining the continent’s elite teams including Senegal, Burkina Faso and Guinea in the competition reserved for players in domestic leagues.