Ghana lose 3-1 to Nigeria in their first leg of the final round qualification match for the 2011 All-Africa Games.
The Black Meteors now have a difficult second leg to overturn the deficit against their rivals in a fortnight's time following defeat on Saturday in Benin City.
Kwesi Appiah's side took the lead on the stroke of halftime when Rabiu Mohammed bundled in the opener from close range.
But a brace by Igiebor Nosa within eight minutes of the second half and a goal from Ibok Edet with 11 minutes to fulltime condemned Ghana to defeat.
Ghana's approach in the opening half paid when Rabiu got the opener but a difficult start to the second half saw Igiebor draw Nigeria level and double up from the spot.
The Black Meteors ringed the changes with coach Appiah sending on Richard Mpong, Gladson Awako and Jordan Ayew in the second half for Samuel Inkoom, Afriyie Acquah and Rabiu Mohammed.
They now have the second leg to save their hopes of sealing the sole Zone III ticket and playing at the Games in Mozambique in September.
Starting line-up
Daniel Agyei, Daniel Opare, David Addy, Daniel Addo, Jonathan Mensah, Emmanuel Agyeman-Badu, Samuel Inkoom/Richard Mpong, Afriyie Acquah/Gladson Awako, Dominic Adiyiah, Rabiu Mohammed/Jordan Ayew, Mubarak Wakaso.
Subs: Joe Addo, Jordan Ayew, Gladson Awako, Richard Mpong, William Owusu Acheampong, Isaac Cofie, Ahmed Adams.