The Black stars’ anticipated first leg tie in the World Cup playoffs ended in a 0-0 stalemate at the Baba Yara Spots stadium in Kumasi on Friday.

It was a pulsating encounter from the blast of the whistle with chances few and far in between.

The sold out stadium in Kumasi failed to produce goals as both teams were compact at the back.

Felix Afena Ohene-Gyan was twice denied by Francis Uzoho before thwarting lively duo Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Mohammed Kudus from scoring.

Late on, Nigeria forward Moses Simon was rebuffed twice by Ghana goalkeeper Joseph Wolacott as the teams met in a World Cup clash for the first time since 2001.

Nigeria later had two chances in quick succession but Joe Aribo and Victor Osimhen also fluffed their lines.

Nigeria thought they had earned a penalty in the 75th minute after Idrissu Baba handled the ball in the box but the referee overturned his initial verdict after consulting the VAR.

The return match will be played in the Nigerian capital of Abuja on Tuesday with the winner over the two legs picking one of Africa’s five tickets to the World Cup.