Ghana will aim to please the fans after a horror showing in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations as they prepare for an intense derby match up with Nigeria.
The Black Stars crashed out of the AFCON in the group stages, failing to record a single victory while putting up subpar performances.
Nigeria, on the other hand, aims to get one over a familiar foe as they aim to make their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.
At the Cape Coast stadium on Friday evening, the two outfits will be expected to put on a show.
Ghana to get the first-leg win
As the first leg of the much-anticipated tie approached, the nation struggled to secure a venue following CAF’s rejection of the Cape Coast stadium due to its poor nature.
Now, the tie will be played in Kumasi, a ground that Ghana have been more successful in, winning 75% of matches (16) since 2006.
The Black Stars will most likely break the deadlock and go on to add one more for good measure to set themselves up nicely for the return leg at Abuja.
Despite the attacking prowess of Nigeria, Ghana’s impressive home record will be hard to beat.
The odds
Ghana are slight favourites to win the game according to Betway, with their odds priced at 2.55 currently, whilst that of Nigeria currently stands at 2.80.
Team News
Ghana will be without Andre Ayew, and Benjamin Tetteh due to suspensions. Abdul Baba Rahman remains injured since February and will not be involved.
Nigeria included Ademola Lookman in the squad list for the first time. The Leicester City forward will be eager to make his mark.
Predicted Ghana XI: Wollacott, Leeroy Owusu, Djiku, Amartey, Mensah, Partey, Iddrisu, Paintsil, Kyereh, Kudus, Ayew
Predicted Nigeria XI: Okoye, Ajayi, Ekong, Omeruo, Aina, Ndidi, Aribo, Simon, Chukweze, Iheanacho, Osimhen
Head-to-head
11th October 2011: Ghana 0-0 Nigeria (International Friendly)
28th January 2010: Ghana 1-0 Nigeria (Africa Cup of Nations)
3rd February 2008: Ghana 2-1 Nigeria (Africa Cup of Nations)
6th February 2007: Ghana 4-1 Nigeria (International Friendly)
23rd January 2006: Nigeria 1-0 Ghana (Africa Cup of Nations)
Ghana have been the better team over the last five matches, winning three and losing one. They will go into this tie with some confidence.
