Nigeria were more determined-Didi Dramani on Ghana’s defeat
Ghana’s Black Galaxies saw their 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) dreams dashed after a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria in the second leg of their final qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The loss means Ghana will not feature in the tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania next year, marking a disappointing end to their CHAN campaign.
The Black Galaxies struggled to contain Nigeria’s early onslaught, conceding three goals within a devastating six-minute spell in the first half. Goals in the 19th, 22nd, and 25th minutes left Ghana with an uphill battle they could not overcome.
Although Stephen Amankona pulled one back in the 73rd minute, the Galaxies failed to build on the momentum, as Nigeria’s resolute defense and hunger for victory sealed their qualification.
Speaking after the game, Black Galaxies coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani admitted his side fell short against a determined Nigerian team.
“Every coach feels disappointed after a loss, but the result speaks for itself,” Dramani said. “Nigeria showed much more hunger and energy. We made some costly mistakes that proved disastrous for us.”
He highlighted the impact of the early goals on the team’s morale and performance:
“After conceding the first goal, the second and third goals drained our team’s strength and morale. Nigeria’s hunger to win was evident, especially in the first half.”
The Black Galaxies had held Nigeria to a goalless draw in the first leg in Accra, raising hopes of securing qualification in the return leg. However, their inability to capitalize on home advantage and defensive lapses in Uyo proved costly.
