Nigeria home based Super Eagles, coached by Salisu Yusuf lost 2-0 to Ghana in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2023 first leg second round qualifying game in Cape Coast on Sunday.
Salisu’s Eagles arrived in Cape Coast on Friday with great determination to get a result away from home. They started brightly in the contest, which was initially marred by a lot fouls and physical duels in the opening half.
Nigeria had a chance to go in front just before the 20th minute mark but Chijioke Akuneto could not find the right connection to get his shot on target.
On the stroke of half-time, goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka nearly gifted the hosts a goal, but managed to grab at the second attempt, as the game went into the break without a goal.
Just after the interval, Nigeria were penalised for a handball inside their penalty area, which forward Afriyie Barnieh converted beyond goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka to hand the Ghanaians the lead.
The introduction of Rangers man Chidiebere Nwobodo and Plateau United’s Mohammed Zulkifilu didn’t really change the fortunes of the CHAN Eagles, who were struggling in the half.
The Black Galaxies, who have not been to the finals since 2014, went on to get a second goal in the dying embers of the game when Suraj Seidu put the ball away after Adeyinka had denied him initially.
Nigeria will hope to turn the contest around when they host the second leg in Abuja next weekend.
The winner over two legs will advance to the 2023 African Nations Championship to be hosted by Algeria.
