The home-based Super Eagles national team lost to the Black Galaxies of Ghana 2-0 on Sunday night, putting a serious dent on their chances of making it to the 2023 African Nations Championship (ANC) in Algeria.
The majority of the game was played in the opponent’s half, but the Salisu Yusuf-coached national side had a strong first half and threatened the Galaxies on a few occasions.
However, the Ghanaians started the second half off more purposefully and placed the CHAN Eagles under a great deal of pressure. Five minutes into the second half, Afriyie Barnieh scored from the penalty spot for Ghana, sending Adewale Adeyinka in the wrong direction.
Then, Seidu Suraj doubled Ghana’s advantage in the 86th minute after Adeyinka was unable to hold firm to Daniel Abagna’s delicate cross. Suraj capitalised on a rebound to score from close range.
Nigeria had two late opportunities to cut the deficit and make the return leg less difficult, but they were not able to convert either. They must now win be no less than three goals at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on September 3 to qualify for the tournament.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
