The CHAN Eagles captain, Nduka Junior, has praised his team’s performance following their goalless draw against Ghana’s Black Galaxies in the first leg of the 2025 African Nations Championship qualifiers on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The fierce rivalry between the two West African nations was on display as both teams battled intensely throughout the game, which ended 0-0.

It was a result that showcased Nigeria’s defensive resilience, particularly given their struggles in previous visits to Ghana.

In an interview with Brila.net, the Remo Stars defender expressed pride in leading the team while acknowledging the pressure and expectations that come with the captaincy.

“It’s an amazing feeling for me, being the captain and representing the country,” Nduka said.

“There is a lot of responsibility for me. It’s a vital role that I need to play in the team because I’m the captain. I know what’s at stake—everybody is watching and expecting more.

“We’ve not won yet. We are close to the finish line, but we need to consolidate on this result. We all know what is at stake.”

The goalless draw marked a milestone for the CHAN Eagles, as it was their first-ever clean sheet in Ghana, following defeats of 3-2 and 2-0 in previous encounters.

Nigeria will now turn their focus to the return leg, set to take place on Saturday, December 28, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

A win of any margin will guarantee their qualification for the 2025 CHAN tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from February 1st to 28th.

With the stakes high, Nduka Junior and his teammates will aim to capitalize on the home advantage and secure their spot in the eighth edition of the African Nations Championship.