At last, Ghana, Nigeria clash for Qatar 2022 World Cup ticket

Super Eagles set for Black Stars’ challenge

The match is finally here. It is the first leg of the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying tie between Ghana and Nigeria, which has been on the cards since the draws was made on January 22 in Cameroun.

Ghana will host Nigeria in this first leg today in Kumasi, while the decisive leg will hold in Abuja on March 29. The winner of the tie over two legs will join four other African countries on the trip to Qatar later this year.

The Super Eagles arrived in Kumasi, yesterday, for the clash, which, many believe, is one of the most anticipated matches of the first-leg of the 2022 World Cup playoffs.

Apart from deciding which country qualifies for the World Cup, it is also about pride and bragging rights, as well as opportunity to pacify either of the teams’ fans following both countries poor outing at the last Africa Cup of Nations.

While Ghana was booted out of the competition in Cameroun in the first round, Nigeria surprisingly lost to Tunisia in the first knockout stage, prompting both countries to rejig their technical teams.

In Ghana’s case, they sacked Black Stars Coach, Milovan Rajevac brought in homeboy, Borusia Dortmund’s assistant coach, Otto Addo, as head coach and English Premiership top gaffer, Chris Hughton, as the technical adviser.

Nigeria did not sack Coach Augustine Eguavoen, but they fortified the technical crew with the addition of former Barcelona star, Emmanuel Amunike, to the bench.

The playing staff has also seen some adjustments, with both countries bringing fresh stars to add to those that competed in Cameroun.

The Black Stars brought in Ajax Amsterdam star, Mohammed Kudus and Roma FC striker, Felix Afena-Gyan. They also recalled Germany-based Kwesi Wriedt, Fulham