Ghana host eternal rivals Nigeria in the first leg of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) final qualifier on Sunday December 22, 2024 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Black Galaxies have been preparing for this epic showdown since October, spacing out their training sessions across, with coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani announcing his final 26-man squad on Friday.
The Ghanaian gaffer selected the players based on form, fitness levels, club performances and tactical suitability ahead of the must-win game against the Super Eagles B.
The stakes are extremely high for both teams with a place at next year’s CHAN tournament top of the agenda as the two West African rivals face off in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, on Sunday. Kick off 16:00 GMT (4pm local time).
What looks to be a hotly contested duel is made even more intense by the two countries’ long-standing rivalry.
Ghana defeated Nigeria in the qualifiers to advance to the 2023 CHAN tournament and Coach Dramani’s side will be looking to build on this and ensure qualification to the 2025 CHAN tournament which will be staged in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
Preparation, strategy, and mental toughness will prove crucial as the two team strive to earn a position in the CHAN competition.
The team’s preparations began weeks ago at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, with an initial 32-man squad undergoing rigorous training.
Ghana will host the first leg on Sunday, December 22, at the Accra Sports Stadium with the return leg scheduled to take place on Saturday December 28, 2024 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The CHAN tournament is open to only players who play in their home leagues and have permanent contracts.
Match Officials
Aklesso Gnama from Togo will be the Referee for the epic match in Accra.
Gnama will be assisted by compatriots Jonathan Ahonto Koffi (Assistant I), Wassiou Tchamolla Ourotou (Assistant II), and Kossi Fabrice Senyo (Fourth Official).
Ivan Gartor Brown from Liberia will serve as the Match Commissioner, while Hugues Alain Adjovi from Benin takes on the role of Referee Assessor. Atte Claude Elloh from Cote D’Ivoire is the Security Officer for the match.
The highly anticipated encounter is set to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 16H00.
