Ghana vs Nigeria

Posted on | February 3, 2008 | 3 Comments

Without a doubt, this is one of the biggest matches in the tournament. A quarterfinal clash between Nigeria, long undisputed kings on the continent, and Ghana, the hosts, with their rapidly improving side. Defeat could lead to either coach being sacked, victory would see the team and coach showered with praises. To a neutral, there could not be a better showdown in the last eight.

Ghana come into this game after securing 9 points out of a possible nine in Group A. They beat Guinea 2-1, Namibia 1-0 and Morocco 2-0. Yet, until their performance against Morocco, the Ghana team did not really impress the pundits. Their strength obviously lies in midfield with Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien in it. Essien relished his free role going forward against Morocco, but might be pushed back as Laryea Kingston returns from suspension. Anthony Annan, who had a decent game against Morocco, should make way for Kingston. Quincy Owusu Abeyie will shift back to the left, and Essien sits behind Muntari. The four time Champions have not progressed past the quarterfinals in recent attempts, and will be aiming to rectify that. They have home support though, and the fans will not even think of a defeat. Agogo and Gyan have lacked potency upfront, with the latter being even subjected to death threats for his poor display.

Nigeria were on the brink of elimination when they played Benin in their last Group B game. Miraculously, they beat the Squirrels and Ivory Coast did them a huge favour by beating Mali. Could this be the stroke of luck that they needed ? Coach Berti Vogts will hope so, for his team don’t look like champions material on the field. Peter Odemwingie is suspended, and the Super Eagles will miss him. Kanu is back, and John Obi Mikel and Olifinjana will battle against Essien and Muntari in the middle of the park. Mikel has proved to be quite inspirational in Nigeria’s midfield, scoring the first goal against Benin, but his battle against Chelsea team mate Essien will be anything but easy. Yakubu and Martins have also not been in the best of form. At the back, Taiwo, Shittu, Nwaneri and Yobo have been quite good, keeping a clean sheet against Mali and Benin and conceding one against Ivory Coast.

Ghana thrashed Nigeria 4-1 in an international friendly a few months back. But in the last AFCON encounter between these two teams, it was the Eagles that came out on top in Egypt. And the last time the tournament was hosted in Ghana, the Black Stars went out in the quarterfinal to South Africa. Ghana to edge this one 2-1. Essien, Muntari and Yakubu/ Martins on the scoresheet.

Related posts:

1. Ghana vs Nigeria betting preview-
2. Ghana vs Namibia preview
3. Ghana vs Morocco preview
4. Ghana vs Togo Preview- African Cup of Nations
5. Cameroon vs Ghana preview

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