Ghana and Nigeria Set to Clash in 2024 African Nations Championship Qualifiers

Ghana is set to face Nigeria in a crucial qualifier for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with the two West African football giants drawn against each other in the qualifying rounds. This match-up reignites a competitive rivalry, having previously met for the 2022 tournament where Ghana emerged victorious through a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 draw on aggregate.

The CHAN tournament, dedicated to domestic-based players across Africa, features 42 entrants that have been divided into six regional zones. Each of these zones is assigned a varying number of qualification spots for the finals, with the exception of the Central and Eastern Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) region, which has been granted an extra place, making a total of four. This special provision is due to Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda automatically qualifying as joint hosts, yet they will also participate in the preliminary rounds.

An official from the Confederation of African Football (Caf) explained, “The team achieving the best result in the Cecafa qualifiers will advance,” ensuring that the region has a representative. The 2024 finals, hosted from February 1 to 28, will include 19 teams, an expansion from previous editions.

The tournament’s qualifying rounds will be conducted on a home-and-away basis, with the second round concluding between December 27-29. Notably, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya, representing North Africa, are assured participation due to their unique position as past winners of the championship.

Additionally, Caf has announced a significant 60% increase in the prize money for the upcoming tournament. The 2024 CHAN winners will receive $2 million, highlighting the growing prestige and support for domestic football on the continent.

As preparations for the tournament proceed, the staging of the finals in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda is anticipated to be a rigorous test for the three East African hosts, setting a precedent for future international football collaborations in the region.

The qualification schedule begins with first-round matches occurring from October 25–27 and November 1–3, followed by the second round from December 20–22 and December 27–29. Outside the Western Zone A face-off between Sierra Leone and Liberia, key fixtures from other zones such as Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso and Mozambique vs Zambia, are expected to draw significant attention.