Joel Ajayi

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has expressed optimism about the future of Nigerian football following the CHAN Eagles’ emphatic victory over Ghana in Uyo on Saturday.

The jubilant NFF President described the win as a symbol of brighter days ahead for Nigerian football, particularly in 2025. He highlighted the team’s determination, noting that their performance demonstrated the resilience of Nigerians to overturn expectations.

“We are thrilled to close the year on such a high note,” Gusau remarked. “Securing a spot at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been a key goal, and we’re delighted to have achieved it. Now, the real challenge is to prepare the team thoroughly to compete for the trophy in East Africa next year.” Gusau also congratulated the team and commended Nigerians for their unwavering support in the face of adversity.

Nigeria achieved a landmark moment by defeating Ghana for the first time in an African Nations Championship qualifier, securing their ticket to the tournament’s eighth edition, scheduled for February 2025 in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. A scintillating 3-1 victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium rewrote the narrative of Nigerian-Ghanaian contests at this level.

Three brilliantly executed goals within six minutes defined the encounter, delivering a crushing blow to Ghana’s aspirations. The Black Galaxies, despite their pre-match confidence, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s relentless attacking display.

The game began with Nigeria on the front foot, and in the 18th minute, Captain Junior Nduka’s precise long ball found Ismaila Sodiq, who broke Ghana’s offside trap and slotted past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Two minutes later, Nigeria almost doubled their lead, but Adamu Abubakar’s close-range effort was deflected by defender Abban Ebenezer.

From the ensuing corner, Nduka capitalized on Ghana’s defensive lapse, sending the ball into the net for Nigeria’s second goal. Just three minutes later, Saviour Isaac exploited a mix-up between goalkeeper Asare and defender Nurudeen Abdulai to score the third.

The Black Galaxies, overwhelmed and disoriented, were fortunate not to concede a fourth before halftime when Sikiru Alimi missed a golden opportunity after being set up by Isaac.

In the second half, Nigeria maintained their dominance, with Isaac and Alimi coming close to increasing the lead. Despite Ghana pulling one back through Stephen Amankona in the 72nd minute, the damage was already done.

The loss capped a dismal year for Ghana, marked by the Black Stars’ early exit at the Africa Cup of Nations, their failure to qualify for the next edition of the tournament, and the Black Starlets’ inability to reach the Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

Nigeria, silver medalists at CHAN in 2018, celebrated their return to the tournament with gusto. The victory over perennial rivals Ghana was particularly satisfying and underscored the promise of a brighter future for Nigerian football.

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