After guiding the Super Eagles B team to a 3-1 victory over ‘boastful’ Ghana’s Black Galaxies to qualify for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), on Saturday, Coach Daniel Ogunmodede declared that there is nothing special about Ghana.
“We studied the Ghana team and found nothing about their strength apart from their history,” Ogunmodede said in a post-match interview with journalists.
The win at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium secured Nigeria’s place in the delayed CHAN tournament, ending the Super Eagles B team’s six-year absence. Ogunmodede said Ghana’s most significant asset was its historical record against Nigeria. “Their strength is history, but we tried to blindfold ourselves to it and were determined to break the yoke.”
Ogunmodede, however, acknowledged Ghana’s technical ability, saying: “They played through the channels and made deliveries. Ghana came with a high hope of beating us here in Uyo, but our plans worked better.”
For winning the ticket, the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, fulfilled a personal donation of N10 million to the Super Eagles B team.
The pledge, made before the crucial encounter, was revealed by the NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, who initially expressed his intention to personally reward the team for a win.
However, in a remarkable display of leadership, Dikko interceded, insisting on taking up the gesture himself. Olopade said: “Before the game, I made a personal pledge to reward the team if they emerged victorious. When I shared this with the NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, he immediately applauded the idea but insisted that he would make the donation himself as a sign of solidarity and appreciation for the players’ efforts.”
“It was a heartfelt moment that truly shows his passion for Nigerian football and the athletes representing our country. His generosity has further inspired the team, and we are incredibly grateful for his leadership,” Olopade stated.
Goals from Sodiq Ismaila (18th minute), Nduka Junior and Saviour Isaac in the 21st and 25th minutes gave Nigeria a 3-0 lead before Ghana pulled one back through Stephen Amenkona in the 71st minute.
The 2025 CHAN tournament, which exclusively features players competing in Africa, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to 28.
Meanwhile, the head coach of Ghana’s Black Galaxies, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, admitted that Super Eagles B displayed greater hunger and determination on Saturday. Speaking after the match, Dramani acknowledged Nigeria’s superior drive as the decisive factor in the game.
“Every coach feels disappointed after a loss, but the result speaks for itself,” Dramani said. “Nigeria showed much more hunger and energy. We made some costly mistakes that proved disastrous for us.”
He added, “After conceding the first goal, the second and third goals drained our team’s strength and morale. Nigeria’s hunger to win was evident, especially in the first half.” The defeat marks another disappointment for Ghana, which has also failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
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