Ghana’s Black Galaxies fail to qualify for CHAN following loss to Nigeria  

The Black Galaxies of Ghana have been eliminated from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a disappointing 3-1 loss to Nigeria in the second leg of their qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.

Following a goalless draw in the first leg in Accra, Ghana needed a decisive result to book their ticket to the tournament. However, Nigeria came out with intent and took control early in the game, stunning the Galaxies with three quick goals in the first half.  

Ismaila Sodiq broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, with Nduka Junior and Isaac Saviour adding two more in the 22nd and 25th minutes, respectively. Defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion at the back proved costly for the Ghanaians, who struggled to recover from the early setback.  

Stephen Amankona managed to pull one back for Ghana in the 73rd minute with a composed finish, but the effort was not enough to spark a comeback. The game ended 3-1 on the night, with Nigeria advancing to the CHAN tournament on a 3-1 aggregate.  

This marks a disappointing end to Ghana’s qualification campaign, as the Black Galaxies had hoped to secure a spot in the 2025 CHAN, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The team’s failure to build on their promising 2023 CHAN performance leaves fans and stakeholders questioning the future direction of the squad.  

For Nigeria, the victory was a statement of intent as they continue to bolster their reputation in African football. For Ghana, the focus will now shift to rebuilding and addressing the issues that led to this qualification heartbreak.