Ghana Black Galaxies Head Coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, has conceded the Super Eagles B’s superiority over his team after the Nigerians secured the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) ticket with an emphatic 3-1 victory on Saturday night at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Completesports.com reports.
Dramani arrived in Nigeria on Friday brimming with confidence, hoping to replicate Ghana’s success over Nigeria in 2022. However, Daniel Ogunmodede’s side delivered a stunning eight-minute attacking masterclass, netting three goals against the Ghanaians.
Sodiq Akinola Ismaila opened the scoring 18 minutes into the match. Three minutes later, Junior Harrison Nduka showcased his leadership qualities by surging forward from his defensive role to double Nigeria’s lead. Local star Saviour Johnson Isaac added a third goal in the 25th minute, leaving Nigeria in complete control at half-time.
Amankona Stephen scored a consolation goal for Ghana with 16 minutes left on the clock.
Following the match, Dramani appeared dejected, admitting Nigeria’s hunger and determination were decisive.
“Every coach will feel disappointed, but the result remains what it is,” Dramani began during the post-match press conference when asked about his feelings after the loss.
“Nigeria showed much more hunger and did a lot of running. We gave away some key moments in the game, which turned out to be disastrous for us.
“After the first goal, the second can drain the strength and energy of a team because of the manner it was scored — not to mention the third goal. At that point, any team could lose its steam. I think Nigeria showed a lot more hunger to get the win, especially in the first half,” Dramani admitted.
The defeat means Ghana will miss the 2024 CHAN, just as they failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
When asked if Ghanaian football is in turmoil, Dramani instead described it as a ‘transitional phase.’
“Every team or country goes through some transitional phase,” he said solemnly. “I think we’re currently in that phase.
“These are lessons learned in good faith. We don’t like failure, but sometimes failure brings a moment to reflect and then bounce back in the right way.”
Nigeria and Ghana, two West African football powerhouses, often meet in the qualifying stages of major African competitions, with one inevitably being eliminated.
When asked if this arrangement deprives the sub-region of quality representation or denies the continent one of its best teams in major tournaments, Dramani urged CAF to re-evaluate its competition formats.
“I think that’s one of the key issues CAF has to address. It’s important for the body to critically examine this and come up with a format that ensures the best for the continent,” Dramani concluded.
By Sab Osuji, in Uyo.
2 Comments
Ghana coach is right here. CAF need to do something for Africa to be able to present all the best for international competitions.
The competition would have been more competitive if Ghana join Nigeria.
Dis is tru. Kaf is sheating Naigeria and Gana. It is rong 4 dis 2 kontries Tu bi playin kwalifier. Naigeria iz far beta Dan Gana tho.