When Nigeria play Ghana, it is never a ‘friendly’ match.
The West African rivals have faced each other at least 56 times. The latest was in 2014 during the AFCON championships.
The Super Eagles lost 4-1 via a penalty shoot-out after the game ended in a stalemate.
However, the next time they line up against each other, there will be something bigger on offer.
In the next few days, Ghana will host Nigeria for the first leg of the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff in Kumasi. One of the countries will get the chance to clinch one of the 5 spots available for African countries to represent the continent at the tournament.
Nigerians, Ghanaians, and the rest of the world will be watching the playoffs, which are anticipated to be a thriller as each team has the potential to make it through.
Both teams reached the playoffs after making it to the third round of the World Cup qualification atop their individual groups, each with 13 points from six matches.
The Super Eagles topped Group C, their qualifying group, which included the Central African Republic, Liberia, and Cabo Verde.
The Black Stars also finished atop Group G after their 1-0 win against Bafana Bafana of South Africa. The other teams in the group included Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. Both Nigeria and Ghana have been making changes while getting ready for this match.
Ghana has made new additions to their technical team by appointing Otto Addo, a Borussian assistant coach, and Chris Hughton, Newcastle United’s former boss.
Nigeria has also brought in ex-international Emmanuel Amuneke to support Augustine Eguavoen, who led the three-time African champions to the round of 16 at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Judging by their last performance at the AFCON, Ghana seems weaker and the Super Eagles might have the chance to finally defeat their nemesis, who have won 21 times against 10 times when Nigeria won.
