The aim to repeat the results of the same fixture in 2022 by the Galaxies was rather put to a blank score by much improved and resolute Nigeria.
The Ghanaians were brimming with confidence ahead of kick off but realities had it that they needed to do more to break that well organized Nigeria team on the afternoon.
With probability hanging 50-50 for both sides, Ghana face a tough task in Nigeria next week to secure qualification for the 2025 African Nations Championship but it is the Nigerians who will count on home advantage in the coming leg.
Didi Dramani started Hearts of Oak’s first choice goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in post, Afful Isaac at the left back with Razak Simpson and Ebenezer Abban forming a block at the heart of defence alongside Kamaradini Mamudu occupying the right back position.
Manuel Mante, Yakubu Issah and Hafiz Ibrahim made the midfield trident whiles Mustapha Yakubu was put in the right wing, Stephen Amankona on the opposite wing with Albert Amoah deployed as the focal man upfront through the middle.
Didi Dramani charges had a lions share of possession and goal scoring opportunities but failed to convert any of them partly due to the strong defense of Nigeria and profligacy in front of goal by the Galaxies.
Ghana qualified for the last edition of the CHAN tournament in Morocco 2023 on 5-4 penalty shootouts after a 2-0 first leg win in the same fixture at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium courtesy Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Seidu Suraj, was canceled by Nigeria in the reverse fixture.
Ghana will need at least a scoring draw in the second leg which will take place in Uyo on December 28, to book qualification to either of Kenya or Uganda or Tanzania in February 2025.
