Ghana severely caged and held the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a goalless draw in the first leg of the 2022 Fifa World Cup final qualification match.

Both teams will focus on the rematch, which will decide their chances of qualifying for the international showpiece in Qatar.

The Black Stars got off to a fast start at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, but the Super Eagles held firm to fend off the hosts’ threatening attacks.

After the Black Stars dominated the opening few minutes of the game, it was suddenly stopped on the half-hour mark for medical professionals to treat Osimhen after a challenge from Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus.

𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋-𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄! ⏰

🇬🇭 Ghana 0-0 Nigeria 🇳🇬

An entertaining first leg in Kumasi but it ends goalless.

A massive second leg awaits 🔥#WorldCup | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/BUY3PAHaxU

— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 25, 2022

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s effort from outside the penalty area was batted away for a corner by Uzoho two minutes later, giving the Black Stars their best chance of the first half.

The home side recorded more shots and set-pieces in the first 45 minutes, but they lacked the quality to beat the Eagles.

Simon created the Super Eagles’ best chance 10 minutes into second half, after the winger found space on the left flank but his hard work was saved by goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott.

In the 71st minute, Ghana had another opportunity to break the deadlock when Kudus burst through on goal from the right, but Uzoho saved his attempt for a corner kick.

The referee then handed Nigeria a penalty for a handball in the 18-yard box, but it was reversed after a VAR check as Ghana was later awarded a free-kick in the final 15 minutes.

The foul by Iheanacho that caused the penalty decision to be overturned!#GhanaVsNaija #Ghana

🇬🇭 Ghana 0-0 Nigeria 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/W0IuQciV7S

— FRESHLOADED.COM.NG (@freshloadedngr) March 25, 2022

Etebo was dissatisfied with the judgement and received a yellow card as a result of his protests to the referee.

The draw means that both Nigeria and Ghana have everything to play for in the rematch, which is scheduled for March 29 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.

The Super Eagles are hoping for a seventh World Cup participation in Qatar, while Ghana have only managed appear in three World Cups.

𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕? 𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒙!