MATCH REPORT: Ghana held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in Abuja to qualify to the next World Cup

Ghana held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in Abuja to qualify to the next World Cup

Nigeria made five massive changes from the line up in the first taking off Iheanacho, Chukwueze, Simon and more.

With Ghana, Otto Addo maintained his starting XI that played in Kumasi with no any major changes.

Nigeria begun the game really but got upset by Ghana in the early stages after Thomas Partey scored on the 9th minute to put Ghana in front.

The Black Stars from were struggling to keep the ball on the turf and decided to result in a long balls which left youngster Afena-Gyan struggling upfront.

Nigeria were later awarded a penalty on the 20th minute after a VAR checked proved that Ademola Lookman was brought down in the box. Captain Troost-Ekong elected himself and converted nicely to make it 1-1.

The Nigerians were really dangerous making many attempts on goal to get their second but all proved futile bringing the first to an end.

Back from the break, there were early substitutions from the two coaches hoping for a turnaround in their favour in the second department.

In the opening 20 minutes of the second half, both Victor Osimhen and Afena-Gyan came up with some goal opportunities but all couldn’t find the net though the latter’s own looked dangerous.

The Super Eagles came so close to finding the back of the net again but Osimhen’s bicycle kick missed the post. Big relief it was for Ghana.

The Black Stars are through to the 2022 FIFA World Cup which comes up in Qatar later this year.