Black Galaxies host Nigeria in crucial CHAN qualifier

The long-standing rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria takes centre stage once more this weekend as the Black Galaxies host their West African nemesis in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The clash, set for Sunday, December 22 at the Accra Sports Stadium, promises to reignite memories of Ghana’s dramatic qualification for the last CHAN tournament in 2023.

On that occasion, the Black Galaxies edged out Nigeria via a penalty shootout after both legs ended 2-0 in favour of the respective home sides.

This time, Ghana will aim to replicate that feat when they travel to Lagos for the return leg six days later.

For Nigeria, the stakes are heightened by a quest for revenge. The Super Eagles' senior team suffered a bitter elimination by the Black Stars in the 2022 FIFA World Cup play-offs, missing out on the global stage due to the away goals rule.

Now, their local counterparts are desperate to avoid a similar fate.

Under the guidance of Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, the Black Galaxies are determined to maintain their dominance over their eternal rivals.

Preparations have been intense, culminating in a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Togo in a friendly match in Lome last Wednesday. The team’s preparations began weeks ago at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, with a 32-man squad undergoing rigorous training.

After returning from Togo on Thursday, the players briefly rejoined their clubs for Ghana Premier League action over the weekend before regrouping last night to finalise preparations.

Spirits are high, and the team will look to key players such as Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Samartex defender Isaac Afful, Medeama midfielder Manuel Mantey, and Basake Holy Stars’ Issah Yakubu—who scored in the Togo friendly—to deliver the goods.

Additionally, Heart of Lions’ in-form Mustapha Yakubu and Kotoko striker Albert Amoah are expected to play pivotal roles in the tie.

The winner over two legs will secure a spot at the expanded CHAN tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1-28, 2025. For the first time, the competition, exclusively for players plying their trade in domestic leagues, will feature 19 teams, reflecting its growing stature.

Sunday’s showdown in Accra will be officiated by Togolese referee Aklesso Gnama, with assistance from compatriots Jonathan Ahonto Koffi (Assistant I), Wassiou Tchamolla Ourotou (Assistant II), and Kossi Fabrice Senyo (Fourth Official). Liberian Ivan Gartor Brown will serve as Match Commissioner, Hugues Alain Adjovi of Benin as Referee Assessor, and Ivorian Atte Claude Elloh as Security Officer.

With pride and qualification on the line, the Black Galaxies will aim to delight their home fans and set the tone for another triumphant campaign against their fiercest rivals.