Today is a crucial one for the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they navigate their fate of qualifying for the 2022 Qatar world cup, when they lock horns with the Black Stars of Ghana in Kumasi.
Nigeria’s squad started their preparations in the Federal Capital, Abuja ahead of departure to Kumasi on Thursday. The team later landed in Ghana yesterday to some hostile reception.
Nigeria and Ghana will play at the 40,000 capacity Baba Yara Stadium this evening in the first leg of a potentially explosive fixture. Both teams will battle for a single ticket to the 22nd FIFA World Cup finals.
M A T C H D A Y!
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 25, 2022
🏟️ Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi
🆚 #Ghana
⏲️8.30pm
📲 #GHANGA #SoarSuperEagles
#2022WCQ pic.twitter.com/RcsxOQeOmq
The return leg at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja is expected to also be pulsating and fiery.
As of lunchtime on Tuesday, 18 of the 25 invited players had arrived at The Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments.
READ ALSO: International games to look forward to this weekend
History of Nigeria v Ghana games
Today’s encounter will be the 58th clash between the two countries’ senior teams, with 18 of those matches ending in draws. The first encounter was on 20th October 1951, when Nigeria won 5-0.
The last time both teams were involved in a FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture was 2001. Both were seeking a spot at the Korea/Japan 2002 finals. The opening leg at the Accra Sports Stadium was stalemated 0-0. Nigeria went on to win the return 3-0 inside the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt on 29th July 2001.
The teams also played 0-0 in a friendly match that was staged in London on 11th October 2011.
Captain Ahmed Musa and deputy captain William Ekong are among the 18 players who are already in camp for the two big games.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has fallen ill. Coach Augustine Eguavoen also extended an invitation to Enyimba FC goalkeeper John Noble.
Already in camp are; William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Olaoluwa Aina, Frank Onyeka, Odion Ighalo, Daniel Akpeyi, Ahmed Musa, Oghenekaro Etebo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Abdullahi Shehu, Francis Uzoho, Moses Simon, Emmanuel Dennis, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, Calvin Bassey, Innocent Bonke, Kenneth Omeruo.
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