The Super Eagles of Nigeria played hosts to Ghana in what was the deciding fixture on the road to Qatar. The Moshood Abiola stadium was the venue and with a 60,000 capacity,it was electrifying.
However Ghana opened the scoring with midfielder Thomas Partey finding the back of the net on eleven minutes. Nigeria scored a leveler from the penalty spot courtesy vice-captain William Troost-Ekong on the 22nd minute. Victor Osimehn scored ten minutes later but the goal was ruled out by VAR as it was offside.
The second half was a bleary affair with many chances created from open play but no way forward. Coach Eguavoen made a couple of substitutions but no change was yielding any effort. Ghana maintained a tactical discipline that kept the Nigerian attack at bay for 45 minutes. So close,yet so far.
It was a sad day for Nigerians as this was the first time since 2006 that Nigeria will not make it to the World Cup since their debut in the tournament in 1994.
Ghana sealed a ticket to Qatar 2022 via the away goal rule. 1-1 in Abuja was not enough for the Super Eagles. It is now back to the drawing board to restrategize and regroup to find a way forward.
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