Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has warned Black Galaxies head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani against adopting a defensive strategy in the crucial 2024 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) qualifiers against Nigeria. The first leg ended in a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium, setting the stage for an intense return fixture on December 28 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Agyemang-Badu, who played a pivotal role in Ghana’s 2009 CHAN campaign, stressed the significance of securing a win in the second leg. “We should be very careful not to go and defend,” he cautioned. “This is only one game, and if you lose, you’re out. We can’t afford to lose, especially after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.”

The former midfielder expressed the gravity of the situation, pointing out that failing to qualify for the CHAN tournament would be disastrous for Ghanaian football. “If we don’t qualify for CHAN, it will be a big setback,” Agyemang-Badu said. “We have to support the team and pray for them to go all out and secure the win.”

The winner of the tie will earn a spot in the 2025 CHAN tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Ghana, who triumphed over Nigeria in a penalty shootout to qualify for the previous edition, will be hoping to repeat their success. Meanwhile, Nigeria is determined to end its two-edition absence from the competition.