The home-based Super Eagles held the Black Galaxies of Ghana to a goalless draw in the first leg of their 2024 African Nations Championship qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The hosts dominated possession in the first half but struggled to find a way past Nigeria’s resilient defence.

The Super Eagles, led by coach Daniel Ogunmodede, absorbed the early pressure and gradually grew into the game after the break.

Nigeria came closest to breaking the deadlock when Sikiru Alimi’s powerful strike rattled the woodwork, leaving the Black Galaxies relieved. Despite flashes of promise, neither side could find the decisive goal.

Speaking after the match, Ogunmodede expressed confidence in his team’s ability to finish the job in the return leg.

“We knew Ghana were going to be tough, like I said earlier (during the press conference) but we knew we were good enough to get a positive result,” Ogunmodede said.

“We showed bravery and that is what Nigeria is known for. In the second leg, Nigeria will go for the win.”

The decisive reverse fixture will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.

The winner on aggregate will secure a spot at CHAN 2024, which will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.