The Nigerian Home Eagles have sealed their place at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a commanding 3-1 victory over arch-rivals Ghana. The match, played on Saturday night at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, showcased Nigeria’s dominance and clinical finishing, much to the delight of home fans.

The Eagles came out flying, asserting their authority in the opening exchanges with a scintillating six-minute goal blitz.

Sodiq Ismail opened the scoring in the 18th minute, latching onto a precise assist from captain Junior Nduka before firing the ball into the net. Nduka, proving why he wears the armband, doubled Nigeria’s lead just three minutes later with a composed finish from inside the box.

The onslaught continued as Rangers winger Isaac Saviour capitalized on a defensive lapse by the Ghanaian backline to score Nigeria’s third goal, sending the crowd into rapturous celebration.

Ghana’s Late Response

The visitors managed to pull one back in the second half through substitute Amankona Stephen, who found the net in the 72nd minute. Despite the goal, the Ghanaians struggled to break through a disciplined Nigerian defense, ensuring the Home Eagles finished the game comfortably ahead.

A Return to Glory

This victory marks Nigeria’s triumphant return to the CHAN tournament after missing the last two editions. The comprehensive nature of the win over their longtime rivals highlights the team’s readiness to compete on the continental stage once again.

Opinion: A Statement Performance

Nigeria’s commanding display against Ghana sends a clear message to the rest of Africa: the Home Eagles are back, and they mean business. The team’s ability to dominate a historically tough opponent underscores the quality and depth of talent in the squad.

The synergy between players like Junior Nduka and Sodiq Ismail, combined with the opportunistic brilliance of Isaac Saviour, reflects a team that is both technically sound and mentally prepared. However, the second-half drop in intensity—evident in conceding a late goal—serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining focus for the full 90 minutes.

As Nigeria looks ahead to CHAN 2024, fans will hope this victory sets the tone for a successful campaign. With performances like this, the Home Eagles have every reason to aim for the title. The nation will be watching with pride and high expectations.