by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 28, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Veteran midfielder banks on quality in Super Eagles B squad to secure qualification
Rabiu Ali, the veteran Nigerian midfielder, has voiced his confidence in the Super Eagles B team’s ability to overcome Ghana’s Black Galaxies in the decisive second leg of their CHAN qualifier.
The high-stakes encounter is scheduled for Saturday, December 28, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. With the first leg in Accra ending in a goalless draw, the winner of this clash will punch their ticket to the 2024 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament.
Ali, a stalwart of Nigerian football and captain of Kano Pillars, is set to make his third appearance in CHAN finals if Nigeria qualifies. Reflecting on the journey so far, he shared his hopes and faith in the squad’s potential.
“This will be my third time in the tournament finals if we qualify. Of course, I’m praying for us to beat Ghana on Saturday,” said Ali.
Known for his leadership on and off the pitch, the experienced midfielder credited the team’s strong training sessions and quality players as key factors in their preparations.
“The ticket is the first objective. With the quality of players in this team, as you’ve seen in training, I believe we can beat Ghana and secure qualification,” he added in an interview with Complete Sports.
Kickoff for the much-anticipated showdown between these fierce West African rivals is set for 16:00 GMT. The Super Eagles B squad will look to make home advantage count in their bid to edge out their Ghanaian counterparts.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 28, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Black Galaxies head coach, Didi Dramani, has made it clear that his team is aiming for victory when they face Nigeria in the second leg of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers.
After a frustrating 0-0 draw in the first leg in Accra, Dramani believes his team deserved more from the match and is determined to push forward and secure qualification.
“We created far more chances and were unlucky not to score. No need crying over spilt milk,” Dramani said at a press conference in Uyo ahead of the pivotal clash. He acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead, emphasizing the fierce rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria.
“Tomorrow is an opportunity to get the goals and qualify for the CHAN. It is not going to be easy as there is never any clash between Nigeria and Ghana that can be easy,” Dramani added. “The Super Eagles team is a good one, and we have to take our game to another level. We will play an attacking game.”
Dramani’s focus remains firmly on securing a spot in the final tournament by outsmarting Nigeria with an aggressive and tactical approach.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 28, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
The stage is set for an epic clash as Ghana’s Black Galaxies face Nigeria in Uyo for a place in the 2025 CHAN finals.
Ghana’s Black Galaxies are gearing up for a do-or-die battle against Nigeria in the second leg of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers this Saturday. The match, slated for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, promises to be a thrilling encounter with everything at stake.
After a goalless draw in Accra in the first leg, the tie hangs delicately in the balance. However, the Mas-Ud Didi Dramani-led Galaxies are brimming with confidence, bolstered by their recent history of triumph over their West African rivals.
Two years ago, Ghana delivered a heroic performance against Nigeria in CHAN qualifiers, securing a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory in Abuja after a tense 2-2 aggregate scoreline. That unforgettable win is a testament to the Galaxies’ ability to thrive under pressure.
Dramani remains optimistic despite the stalemate in the first leg, emphasizing his team’s attacking potential. “We created far more chances in Accra but were unlucky not to score,” he stated. “Saturday is another opportunity to get the goals and book our place in the CHAN finals. We are ready for the challenge.”
Ghana requires a scoring draw or an outright win to secure qualification, a scenario that suits their composed and gritty approach to high-stakes matches. The team has demonstrated resilience and determination in crucial fixtures, traits that could prove decisive in Uyo.
Although Nigeria will have the advantage of a passionate home crowd, the Black Galaxies remain unfazed. Drawing strength from their solid squad and recent victories, they are poised to take to the pitch with belief and determination.
As the clock ticks toward kickoff, fans across the continent anticipate a thrilling showdown. With the 2025 CHAN set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the Black Galaxies are determined to shine brighter and secure their spot in the prestigious tournament.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 27, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as Ghana’s Black Galaxies prepare to face Nigeria in the second leg of their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier in Uyo this Sunday. With the first leg in Accra ending in a stalemate, the pressure is on for both sides to deliver a decisive performance.
Head coach Mas Ud Didi Dramani exuded confidence ahead of the game, promising that his team would break the deadlock in Nigeria. “As much as possible, we will try to keep a clean sheet, but I want to believe that we will surely score. We will score, we will open up something. I control the energy, the effort, I control the performance (of my boys), but the results, we don’t control it,” Dramani remarked during his pre-match address.
The Black Galaxies, who departed for Nigeria early Friday morning, are determined to replicate their triumph from two years ago, when they defeated the same Nigerian side to secure a spot in the CHAN tournament in Algeria. This time, a win or a goal-scoring draw will see them through to next year’s tournament in East Africa.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the clash, with both teams carrying the pride of their nations into this fiercely contested rivalry.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 27, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
As the sun sets on Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium this Saturday, December 28, the stage will be set for a decisive encounter that goes beyond football. The Super Eagles B of Nigeria, led by head coach Daniel Ogunmodede, are gearing up for a fierce second-leg clash against Ghana’s Black Galaxies in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers.
The rivalry, steeped in history, is at its most critical juncture. After a goalless draw in the first leg at Accra Sports Stadium, both teams enter the Uyo battle with everything to fight for. Speaking ahead of the match, Ogunmodede vowed that his team would leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory.
“We are doing everything to stay focused by avoiding any distractions,” Ogunmodede affirmed. “Yes, we got a scoreless draw in the first leg away, and now playing at home, but we are not in any way carried away. Our objective was to score an away goal in Accra, but that did not happen.”
Ogunmodede’s words reflect the gravity of the match, which has become a contest of pride and national significance. With preparations in full swing, the coach has been instilling in his players the mindset of warriors ready to fight for every inch of the pitch.
“On Saturday, we will approach the game like our lives depend on it,” he declared with steely determination. “This match is about more than tactics or skill; it’s about heart, determination, and fighting like warriors for every ball and opportunity. We know what this means for Nigeria, and we’re ready to give everything.”
The Black Galaxies, eager to avenge their recent setbacks in the AFCON qualifiers, pose a formidable challenge. Yet Ogunmodede remains resolute, confident in his squad’s preparation and fighting spirit.
“This is a battle of pride and purpose,” he concluded. “We respect Ghana, but we are confident in our preparation and spirit.”
With the stakes at their highest, fans from both sides will watch anxiously as two giants of African football clash for a coveted spot in the CHAN tournament. The match kicks off at 16:00 GMT, promising a spectacle filled with passion, intensity, and the unyielding pursuit of glory.
