Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles have booked their spot at the 2024 African Nations Championship, CHAN after a resounding 3-1 victory over the Black Galaxies of Ghana in the final qualifying match on Saturday.
Following a goalless draw in the first leg in Accra, the CHAN Eagles needed an outright win to advance, and they delivered in style at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Sadiq Ismail set the tone early, opening the scoring in the 18th minute with a well-taken effort after latching onto a long pass.
Moments later, Nduka Junior and Isaac Saviour added two quickfire goals, giving Nigeria a commanding 3-0 lead within 30 minutes.
The hosts dominated the first half, with Sikiru Alimi missing a chance to add a fourth just before the break, as his shot was blocked by retreating Ghanaian defenders.
The Black Galaxies showed more intent in the second half and managed to reduce the deficit in the 71st minute through Amakhona Stephen. Despite their efforts to stage a comeback, the CHAN Eagles held firm to seal an impressive 3-1 victory.
This marks Nigeria’s return to the CHAN tournament after six years, their last appearance being in 2018 when they finished as runners-up—their best performance to date.
With the eighth edition of CHAN scheduled to take place from February 1–28, 2025, across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, the CHAN Eagles will aim to go one step further and clinch their first-ever title at the competition.
