Ghana’s dreams of making back-to aback appearance at the African Nations Championship have been embarrassingly shattered after succumbing to a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria on Saturday.
The black galaxies had fought to a goalless draw in Accra last weekend and were aiming to qualify away from home in Uyo, Nigeria but put up an uninspiring show conceding three goals before half an hour mark to a spirited Super Eagles B side.
Daniel Ogunmodede side controlled the early proceedings of the game before taking the lead through Ismail’s finish from a well-tailored pass by Nduka Junior in the 18th minute.
Just three minutes later, Nduka doubled Nigeria’s lead after the Black Galaxies failed to clear their lines from a well delivered Papa Daniel’s corner-kick.
The Nigerians kept the intensity up, and they got another reward for their press after Saviour Isaac intercepted a loose ball before dribbling past Benjamin Asare to slot into an unguarded net for Nigeria’s third.
The men in green outfits tactically slowed the pace of the game as they tried to see off the contest after comfortably putting three past their regional rivals.
First half substitute Stephen Amankona grabbed a consolation for Black Galaxies in the 73rd minute.
The win means Nigeria have finally shirked off Ghana’s dominance in terms of African Nations Championship games involving them.
Ghana blocked Nigeria from reaching the 2009 and 2023 finals, in Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria respectively.
Galaxies also defeated Nigeria after a penalty shootout when a semi-final clash at the 3rd African Nations Championship in South Africa in 2014 ended goalless.
Ghana will now not appear in any major football tournament in 2025 as their senior side the Black Stars also failed to qualify for the AFCON2025 in Morocco.
