The Black Galaxies of Ghana have been eliminated from the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers following a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team. The second-leg clash, held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, December 28, saw Nigeria dominate the game after the first leg ended in a goalless draw in Accra.

Goals from Sodiq Akinola Ismaila, Junior Harrison Nduka, and Saviour Johnson Isaac in the first half gave Nigeria a commanding lead, leaving Ghana chasing the game. While the visitors managed to pull one back in the second half, it was too little, too late.

Speaking after the match, Ghana coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani expressed frustration not just with his team’s performance but with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the tournament’s qualifying format.

“Nigeria showed more hunger and intensity. We made mistakes in key moments, and the goals we conceded broke our rhythm,” Dramani said. He added, “But beyond the game, it’s baffling to see two of Africa’s strongest teams pitted against each other at this stage. Both Nigeria and Ghana should be showcasing their talents in the tournament, not knocking each other out in qualifiers. CAF must address this issue to improve the competition.”

This result marks a bitter moment for Ghana, who had denied Nigeria a spot in the previous CHAN edition. The victory, however, was sweet revenge for the Super Eagles B team, who will now aim to secure their first CHAN title in the upcoming tournament hosted across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.