The home-based Super Eagles put up a determined display to secure a goalless draw against the Black Galaxies of Ghana in the first leg of the 2025 African Nations Championship qualifying playoff.

The encounter took place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday evening.

Under the guidance of coach Daniel Ogunmodede, the CHAN Eagles showcased grit and resilience, earning a deserved result in a high-stakes match.

The team impressed with a solid defensive setup, a tireless midfield, and flashes of attacking intent, ensuring they left Accra unscathed.

Ghana started brightly, piling pressure on Nigeria from the opening whistle. However, goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena proved a reliable last line of defense, while captain Nduka Junior and the commanding Ifeanyi Onyebuchi marshaled the backline with composure.

The duo played a key role in neutralizing the Black Galaxies’ attacking threats.

On the rare occasions Ghana breached Nigeria’s defense, Ozoemena and his backline were in inspired form, frustrating the hosts.

The CHAN Eagles came agonizingly close to a breakthrough midway through the second half. Adamu Abubakar’s thunderous strike rattled the woodwork, leaving the Black Galaxies relieved to escape unscathed.

Despite their defensive heroics, the Nigerian side struggled to create consistent scoring opportunities.

They will need to sharpen their attack in the second leg in Uyo to secure a spot in the 2025 CHAN.

The encounter will be particularly significant, given Ghana’s previous triumph over Nigeria in the 2022 CHAN qualifiers, which denied the Super Eagles a place in Algeria.

The decisive return leg is scheduled for Saturday, December 28, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where Nigeria will aim to finish the job and edge past their arch-rivals.