Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-21 03:33:24
In preparation for tomorrow’s international friendly game against Ghana, Super Eagles interim manager, Finidi George, has emphasized that his team will treat the match like a cup final. Despite being labeled as a friendly game, George expects a tough battle against the Black Stars, stating that games between Nigeria and Ghana are always intense and competitive.
The main objective for Nigeria in the upcoming friendly matches against Ghana and Mali’s senior teams, set to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, is to secure good results. Following their success as runners-up at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, George stressed the importance of maintaining and even exceeding the team’s current high standing in African football.
Having been involved in matches against Ghana since the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal, George is well aware of the seriousness and rivalry that exists between the two countries on the football field. Despite injuries ruling out four invited players for the matches, George expressed confidence in the team’s ability to represent their country with pride and patriotism.
As of yesterday morning, only Turkey-based defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, was expected to join the team at the Adam Park Hotel in Marrakech, with 21 players already present. On the opposing side, Ghana will be led by former international Otto Addo, who has been recalled for a second stint in charge of the Black Stars.
Ghana conducted their first training session in Morocco with 16 players on Tuesday, with more players joining in the following day’s session. Key players such as Tariq Lamptey, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, and others are in attendance, with the team determined to improve on their performance at the recent Africa Cup of Nations.
Both teams are gearing up for what promises to be an intense encounter, with pride, reputation, and bragging rights all at stake. The friendly nature of the game will be overshadowed by the fierce competition and rivalry that characterizes matches between Nigeria and Ghana. George and his team are determined to come out on top and set the tone for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
