Nigeria vs Ghana: Key battles, team news, prediction… All to know about the Jollof Derby
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play an international friendly against their longtime rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana. The much-awaited match will happen in the Marrakech stadium in Morocco.
Given that both teams enter this contest with opposing fortunes, it looks to be an interesting matchup.
Following their failure to win a single game during the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghana was eliminated from the group stage of the continental competition, whereas Nigeria reached the final only to lose to the hosts, Ivory Coast.
But the fact that the former Gold Coast nation denied the Giants of Africa the chance to play in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup was something Nigerians would never forget.
This will be the first time either country has played since suffering heartbreak at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Both countries, who finished outside of the qualification slots following the first round of games, will try to get back on track before World Cup preparations resume in June.
There have been 56 games between Nigeria and Ghana in all competitions, including friendlies. Nigeria has only won 12 of the 25 times that Ghana has beaten them. There have been 19 ties in the encounters between the two.
See also: What went wrong with Ghana at AFCON 2023?
FIFA ranking: Nigeria moves 3rd in Africa, Ghana missing in top 10
NIGERIA VS GHANA TEAM NEWS
Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong, two of Nigeria’s best players at AFCON 2023, will miss the game due to injuries. Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi are also not present.
Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the Cup of Nations due to injury, is back in the team for the three-time African champions. Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen is expected to start, and Gabriel Osho of Luton may also play.
Ademola Lookman’s effect as a forward at the continental championship was evident, and if interim coach Finidi George sticks with a three-man defence, the Atalanta player will likely play in a similar role instead of being used as a winger.
Mohammed Kudus, Ghana’s finest player, was unable to motivate the team in Ivory Coast despite his remarkable form. Nigeria’s defence might be harmed by Antoine Semenyo, who recently scored two crucial goals in Bournemouth’s 4-3 Premier League victory against Luton Town. Jordan Ayew also promises industry.
With Arsenal fighting for the Premier League title, Thomas Partey, who recently returned from injury, is not included.
NIGERIA VS GHANA KEY BATTLES
Otto Addo vs Finidi George
The Ghanaian Football Association made the decision to fire Chris Hughton and replace him with former international Otto Addo after Ghana’s dismal performance in AFCON 2023.
The former assistant manager of Hamburg and Borussia Dortmund had previously managed the Ghana national team, having overseen twelve games from February to December 2022.
Meanwhile, José Peseiro resigned his post-AFCON, and former Super Eagles forward Finidi George—known for wearing Nigeria’s number 7 shirt—was named José Peseiro’s interim replacement.
Finidi George assisted José Peseiro during Nigeria’s incredible run at the AFCON and guided Nigeria Premier League team Enyimba to league victory last season.
When both teams square off in what is sure to be an exciting game, the former Ajax attacker will be looking to get the better of his Ghanaian opponents.
Fatawu Issahaku vs Calvin Bassey
The young player for Leicester City, Fatawu Issahaku, is back in the team to play Nigeria after turning down the opportunity to play for Ghana in the most recent AFCON.
The 20-year-old attacker, would provide a threat to Nigeria’s defence.The dependable Calvin Bassey would organise the defence in the absence of captain Williams Troost-Ekong to neutralise any threat that Issahaku could pose.
NIGERIA VS GHANA DATE AND TIME
Kick-off time is 5pm WAT, Friday 22nd March, 2024.
Venue will be The Grand de Stade Marrakech in Marrakech, Morocco
Referee will be Jayed Jalal
NIGERIA PREDICTED STARTING LINE-UP:
Nwabali, Awaziem, Ajayi, Bassey, Osayi-Samuel, Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyemaechi, Tella, Lookman, Dessers
GHANA PREDICTED STARTING LINE-UP:
Ati-Zigi, Lamptey, Djiku, Salisu, Mensah, Owusu, Diomande, Issahaku, Kudus, J. Ayew, Semenyo
NIGERIA VS GHANA PREDICTION
With recent managerial changes for both teams it could take time for the managers to stamp their mark on their respective teams however, Ghana have not really been doing well lately so it’s difficult to back them against AFCON finalists.
Nigeria to win 2-1
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