Super Eagles Prepare For Battle Against The Black Stars
The Super Eagles of Nigeria had a training session at Abuja’s Moshood Abiola National Stadium, in preparation for the mammoth clash against the Black Stars of Ghana for a chance to represent Africa at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Nigeria were held to a 0-0 draw against Ghana during the first leg playoff match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. The Super Eagles will be counting on home advantage as the roar of the fans at the stadium would spur the Eagles on, all the way to Qatar.
The match will kick off by 06:00 pm (WAT/Nigerian time).
However, with the away goal rule still being used in this qualification process, a goal for Ghana in Abuja would put pressure on Nigeria. The resilient partnership between Super Eagles defenders William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun should be enough to keep the Black Stars from scoring.
The Super Eagles would also have to score this time for a chance to progress to be a part of the biggest spectacle in world football.
Nigeria would be looking to earn a seventh FIFA World Cup finals appearance when they take to the pitch to trade tackles with the Black Stars of Ghana at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen said in his post-match conference said that expectations are high, and the Super Eagles’ supporters have been cheering and praying for the team.
“They (fans) should continue in that manner. We can promise them. At the end of the day, everybody will all be happy,” Eguavoen said.
“They should keep the support high. They should fill up the stadium tomorrow and cheer Nigeria. What we need to do tomorrow is that every chance we get tomorrow must count. So scoring goals is also we what we will try to correct.”
Training done! #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/WcNjfgtNzg
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 28, 2022
“I’m not under any pressure, yes I represent all Nigerian coaches both old and young. We want to collectively be in Qatar. Once we cross the line tomorrow, everyone will be jubilating,” Eguavoen added.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), produced 20,000 tickets for fans to attend the game in Abuja.
The Black Stars of Ghana
The Ghanaian contingent arrived Monday afternoon at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport and had a contingent of 25 players, technical crew members, and officials of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Though they did not get any advantage from the first leg, Ghana can still pick the ticket to the World Cup if they can secure a score draw at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Tuesday. However, a loss will automatically eliminate them.
The Black Stars had their solitary training session in Nigeria ahead of Tuesday’s game at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, and Ghana’s coach Otta Addo was optimistic about their chances.
“In the game (first leg) we had more ball possession and we played well,” Ghana coach Addo said. “But surely we have to improve on not allowing chances against us, so we will try to stop that, definitely.”
“We will try to create a little bit more, surely we will try to score.”
The clash of Africa’s finest would kick off at 6pm (Nigerian time), at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria.
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Chidi Nwoke/Tobi Sangotola/Lekan Sowande/Mckingsmedia.
