Ghana’s Black Galaxies saw their hopes of a second successive African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualification dashed after a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria on Saturday in Uyo.

Following a goalless first-leg draw in Accra last Sunday, the stage was set for an intense second leg, but the Super Eagles B took control early with a dominant first-half performance as they walked into dressing room for recess with 3-0 lead.

Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when a long ball over the top exposed Ghana's defence. Ismaila Sodiq latched onto the pass, surged past the backline, and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who had a touch on it, but it was not enough to keep it out of his net.

Just three minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead. A chaotic scramble in Ghana's penalty area ended with Nigeria's captain, Nduka Junior, prodding the ball into the net from close range, leaving the visitors reeling.

Ghana had what looked like a live wire when they had the ball almost at the back of the net, but without a VAR or goal line technology, the referees adjudged that, it didn't cross the line.

The nightmare continued for Ghana as Saviour added a third in the 25th minute. After dispossessing Nurudeen Abdulai, Saviour rounded Asare and rolled the ball into an empty net to cap off a devastating nine-minute spell that left the Black Galaxies stunned.

Despite their commanding lead, Nigeria adopted a more conservative approach in the second half, controlling possession and limiting Ghana’s opportunities.

The Black Galaxies managed a consolation goal in the 73rd minute when Berekum Chelsea forward Stephen Amankona fired home, offering a glimmer of hope that ultimately proved too little, too late.

The result means Nigeria secure their place in the 2025 CHAN tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in February. For Ghana, it is a bitter disappointment, especially after reaching the quarter-finals in the previous edition.

The Black Galaxies will now have to regroup and focus on future competitions as they reflect on a missed opportunity to compete on the continental stage.