Super Eagles homebased team on Sunday evening suffered a setback in their quest to qualify for the 2023 African Nations Championship in Algeria with a 2-0 defeat to the Black Galaxies of Ghana at the Cape Coast Stadium.

The national team coached by Salisu Yusuf had a good first half and threatened a couple of times to go ahead with most of the match played in the opposition half.

However the Ghanaians came off the blocks in the second half the more purposeful side and put their guests under enormous pressure.

Ghana got the the reward for their efforts five minutes into the second half as Afriyie Barnieh converted from the penalty spot, sending goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka the wrong way.

Ghana doubled their lead in the 86th minute when Seidu Suraj pounced on a rebound to slot hone from close range as Adewale Adeyinka failed to hold firm to a delicate cross by Daniel Abagna.

Nigeria had two late chances to reduce the arreas and make the return leg less of a huge task but it came to nought.

The Eagles must score three unanswered goals at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Saturday, September 3 to reach the tournament.

Izuchukwu Michael
   

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