The Nigeria/Ghana final qualifying fixture for next year’s African Nations Championship remains finely balanced after a goalless draw in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Ghana’s Black Galaxies dominated the first half with several opportunities, but the Super Eagles’ defence, marshalled by Captain Nduka Junior, held firm and remained impenetrable.

Stephen Amankwo found a breakthrough in the Eagles’ defence in the 15th minute, only to see his rising shot narrowly miss Henry Ozoemena’s goalpost.

Sikiru Alimi’s free-kick, just a minute before half-time, also went over the bar, as the game turned into an evenly contested battle between the regional heavyweights.

The goalless draw marks Nigeria’s best away result against Ghana in any African Nations Championship qualifier, having lost 2-3 in 2008 and 0-2 in 2022.

Both teams now shift focus to the second leg, scheduled for Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The aggregate winner will represent WAFU B at the biennial championship, which is exclusively for professional footballers playing in their country’s domestic leagues.

The eighth edition of the African Nations Championship is set to be hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from 1st to 28th February 2025.