Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for the final of the ongoing African Nations Championship came to an end on Wednesday after the Super Eagles lost 1-4 on penalties at the Free State Stadium, South Africa.
The Stephen Keshi side, brimming with so much confidence, started with an early minute injury to Ejike Uzoenyi, which created fear among Nigerians at the stadium, as the medical team were quickly called into action to revive the prolific midfielder.
Both teams tried as much as they could to stamp their authority in the game but it was Nigeria’s Abubakar Ibrahim who had the first shot on target.
Ibrahim’s 26th minute cracker hit the cross bar as Ghana’s goalkeeper, Stephen Adams, heaved a sigh of relief.
The first half failed to produce any goal as the two sides failed to convert their goal scoring opportunities.
Nigeria dominated the early proceedings of the second half as the duo Ifeanyi Ede and Abubakar Ibrahim made moves to put the Eagles ahead but had their attempts nipped in the bud.
Referee Janny Sikazwe issued a red card to Ghanaian defender, Kwabena Adusei, after his rough tackle on Abubakar Ibrahim in the 63rd minute.
Coach Stephen Keshi brought on Bernabas Imenger to replace Ifeanyi Ede in his bid to make the one-man advantage count.
Rabiu Aliu was also substituted as Joshua Obaje made his first appearance in the tournament.
The Nigerian team fluffed their scoring chances as they searched for the curtain raiser, which failed to happen until the Zambian referee signalled for the end of 90 minutes of a keenly contested battle.
Joshua Obaje messed up the chance to put the Eagles ahead in the first half of extra time as his effort went over the bar.
The extra time failed to record any goal as the match went into penalty kicks, with Ghana converting four kicks while Nigeria managed to score one through Uzoenyi, who took the first for the Eagles.
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