Ghana great Abedi Pele was in the stands as the Super Eagles held Ghana to a goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday evening in the first leg of the 2025 African Nations Championship qualifiers.
Coach Daniel Ogunmodede opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with the notable selections being Ozoemena Ani being preferred over Kayode Bankole in goal, veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali was omitted from the starting line-up while Sodiq Ismail was also included in the starting lineup.
The first half was cagey as the Super Eagles defended doggedly to keep the Black Galaxies, who received a lot of support from the home fans, at bay.
Ani had little to do in the first half due to brilliant defensive shape, and Nigeria were able to weather the early storm to settle in the game.
Abubakar Adamu looked sharp, causing Ghana right back troubles and eventually won a free-kick which was spurned.
Another free-kick was awarded to the Super Eagles in a dangerous area towards the end of the first half but left-back Imo Obot wasted the opportunity.
Four minutes before the hour mark, Ghana looked like scoring when an ambitious effort from long-range narrowly sailed over the crossbar.
Ani made a good save to deny the Black Galaxies from scoring after the hour mark and the home side wasted another chance afterwards.
Sikiru Alimi had a quiet game and was eventually replaced by Ogunmodede as Emmanuel Ogbole came on as his replacement.
Ogbole was quickly presented with an opportunity to score when a cross was whipped into the area, but headed the ball over the crossbar.
Both teams were unable to create goal-scoring opportunities and will now have to wait till the second leg to determine the winner.
The second leg will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on December 29, 2024.
