Black Galaxies head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has attributed Super Eagles’ B qualification for the 2024 CHAN to their superior hunger and determination to win.
Nigeria delivered a first-half masterclass, scoring three goals within seven minutes to secure a 3-1 victory over the Black Galaxies at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday. Nigeria advanced to the CHAN 3-1 on aggregate.
Speaking to reporters in Uyo, Dramani acknowledged his disappointment with the result but admitted Nigeria deserved the win. “Every coach will feel disappointed but the result is what it was, the Nigerian players were hungrier and were after the ball all the time,” Dramani said.
Dramani emphasized how the nature of the goals conceded demoralized his side. “Any team would lose momentum after such errors. It’s crucial. Nigeria showed more hunger, especially in the first half,” he noted.
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This loss marks a tough year for Ghanaian football, with the country failing to qualify for both the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and CHAN in the same calendar year. However, Dramani dismissed suggestions that Ghanaian football was in decline, describing the situation as a transitional phase.
“Every country or team experiences transitions. We’re in such a phase now. These are lessons to take in good faith. While we don’t like failure, it sometimes offers perspective and an opportunity to bounce back,” he explained.
The coach also refuted claims that the squad selection was inadequate. “The same players played the first half and the second half, yet the dynamics changed. Football is about moments. When defensive frailties occur and aren’t addressed, opponents capitalize, as Nigeria did,” Dramani stated.
He concluded by pointing out that the goals conceded were more a reflection of Nigeria’s quality than tactical errors. “The second goal came from a set piece, and the third was due to our inability to clear properly. These weren’t a direct result of the adjustments we made but rather the quality of the Nigerian players,” he added.
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