Nigeria Defeats Ghana 2–1 in Africa Cup of Nations Opener

Nigeria Defeats Ghana 2–1 in Africa Cup of Nations Opener

By BSN Sports 

 Nigeria’s men’s national hockey team made a strong start to their campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Hockey Championship with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over arch-rivals Ghana in their opening match on Saturday.

The high-stakes encounter, played at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, lived up to expectations as both sides showcased intensity, pace, and technical quality. But it was Nigeria who held firm in a tightly contested match, edging past Ghana in a result that reignites one of West Africa’s fiercest sporting rivalries.

Nigeria struck first midway through the first half, capitalizing on sustained pressure and sharp build-up play to take the lead. Ghana, however, responded just before the break, netting a well-worked equalizer that ensured the sides were level at halftime.

The second half was equally competitive, with both teams searching for a decisive goal. Nigeria eventually reclaimed the lead through a clinical finish that left the Ghanaian goalkeeper with no chance. Despite Ghana’s late attempts to draw level, Nigeria’s defense remained disciplined and resolute, securing all three points.

The win provides Nigeria with early momentum in their bid to advance to the semifinals and ultimately contend for the continental title.

Nigerian Women Fall to Kenya in Narrow Defeat

In the women’s competition, Nigeria were less fortunate in their opening fixture, suffering a 1–0 defeat to Kenya in a closely contested game. Both sides created opportunities, but a solitary second-half goal was enough to hand the East Africans the win.

Despite the setback, Nigeria’s women showed flashes of promise and will aim to bounce back in their upcoming group matches.

Looking Ahead

With the group stages underway, Nigeria’s men will look to build on their opening triumph, while the women’s side will seek redemption in their next fixture. As the tournament unfolds in Egypt, both teams carry the hopes of a nation eager to see its hockey teams rise on the continental stage.