Nigeria put in a superb rearguard action to hold Ghana to a goalless draw at Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday in their CAF Third Round, first-leg 2022 World Cup qualifier.
The Super Eagles, led by an impeccable performance from goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, were able to handle anything the Black Stars threw at them and will be delighted with having secured an away draw.
Nigeria enjoyed the better of the match in the early minutes, with the Super Eagles using their pace and power to impose themselves early on.
However, at the half hour mark, Ghana suddenly shifted up a couple of gears and looked much more potent in attack.
They immediately created a good chance when Thomas Partey crossed from the right for Jordan Ayew, but the Crystal Palace striker hit his volley wide of the target.
The Black Stars had further efforts at goal through Mohammed Kudus, but neither was a bother for Uzoho, leaving the game goalless at the half time break.
The second half started very slowly with the first chance on goal only coming on the 54th minute whenMoses Simon unleashed a powerful shot from just outside the box, but the Ghana keeper Joe Wollacot made a good save to deny him.
The only other real chance of the half came ten minutes before time when Afena-Gyanmet a cross from Jordan Ayew, but he headed over the Super Eagles goal.
Nigeria were awarded a penalty with 15 minutes of regulation time remaining, but a VAR review made to rescind the spot kick decision.
Ghana looked to be playing for a draw, as they were not committing many players forward in the latter stages of the game.
Nonetheless, the score remained goalless as the referee brought an end to proceedings, as the Super Eagles carried an advantage towards the return leg in Abuja on the evening of Tuesday 29 March.
How they started:
Ghana: Wollacot, Odoi, Amartey, Djiku, G. Mensah, Iddrisu, Partey, Kudus, Issahaku (Bukari 79’), Afena-Gyan (Kyereh 82’), J. Ayew (Wriedt 90+2’)
Nigeria: Uzoho, Aina, Troost-Ekong, Balogun, Zaidu (Bassey 74’), Bonke (Etebo 62’), Aribo (Onyeka 59’), Simon (Lookman 74’), Iheanacho, Chukwueze (Dennis 59’), Osimhen
