THE Black Galaxies Head Coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness as they prepare to face Nigeria in the final qualifiers for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with the first leg slated for Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

This is a high-stakes encounter as it marks the second successive CHAN qualifiers between the two West African rivals.

Two years ago, the Black Galaxies edged out their Nigerian counterparts on penalties to secure a spot in the last edition of the tournament.

Once again, both nations are aiming to secure a place in the rescheduled CHAN tournament (exclusively featuring players competing in their respective domestic leagues), set to be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Preparations

The Black Galaxies have intensified their preparations, recently relocating their training base from the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence  in Prampram and the University of Ghana to the Accra Sports Stadium to fine-tune strategies ahead of the crucial encounter.

Coach Dramani remains optimistic about Ghana’s chances, highlighting the team’s progress in building cohesion and tactical fluidity.

“We are playing against one of the best football nations in Africa, and Ghana is equally a top-quality side when it comes to African football,” he told ghanafa.org in an interview.

“The chances are very bright, and that’s what we are working towards.”

The coach emphasised the team’s readiness in all aspects of the game, stating: “We are physically, technically and tactically well-oriented. As the days go by, we continue to refine, make small adjustments, and provide alternatives in the game. I’m very positive that come Sunday, we will be fully prepared.”

Focus on strategy

The veteran tactician underlined the importance of effort, energy and tactical adaptability as key elements of their game plan, with the Galaxies seeking to replicate their success from the previous qualifier.

In their build-up to the crucial qualifier, the Ghanaians secured a morale-boosting win over Togo in an international friendly last week, further bolstering their confidence ahead of Sunday’s must-win game.