Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles secured their spot at the 2025 African Nations Championship after an impressive 3-1 victory over Ghana’s Black Galaxies on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Goals from Remo Stars duo Sodiq Ismail and Nduka Junior, alongside Enugu Rangers midfielder Isaac Saviour, sealed the win for the team, marking their first qualification for the tournament since 2018.
The CHAN Eagles started the match with intent, taking control early on. Right-back Sodiq Ismail opened the scoring by beating the offside trap and coolly finishing past the goalkeeper into the bottom-left corner.
Moments later, team captain Nduka Junior doubled the lead with a powerful strike following a goal-mouth scramble.
The Black Galaxies, unable to find their footing, conceded a third goal when Isaac Saviour capitalized on a defensive error, dribbled past the goalkeeper, and slotted the ball into the net.
The CHAN Eagles entered halftime with a commanding 3-0 lead, leaving Ghana struggling to respond.
In the second half, the Black Galaxies showed signs of life. Stephen Amankona pulled one back in the 73rd minute, sparking hopes of a comeback.
However, the Nigerian defense stood firm, and Remo Stars forward Alimi Sikiru nearly added a fourth, only to be denied by a stunning save from the Ghanaian goalkeeper.
The match ended 3-1 in favor of the CHAN Eagles, earning them a well-deserved spot in the 2025 tournament.
Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu will now prepare the team for the 8th edition of the African Nations Championship, set to take place in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya from February 1 to 28, 2025.
