Qatar 2022: Nigeria, Ghana reignite 71-year-old rivalry as they battle for World Cup ticket
In an afternoon of high drama at Ohene Djan Stadium, Sulley Muntari delivered an excellent cross to the 18-yard box 8 minutes to the stoppage time. The energetic Junior Agogo picked up the cross and managed to squeeze a shot past Nigerian goalkeeper Austin Ejide.
It was a tense-filled game at the quarter-final of the 2008 Africa Cup Of Nations. The Super Eagles had taken the lead in the 34 minutes with Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s penalty. However, just at the stroke of halftime, Black Stars talisman Michael Essien restored parity with an excellent header.
Super Eagles and Black Stars will reignite their age-long rivalry in a much-anticipated FIFA World Cup qualifiers playoff this March.
NFF’s spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, has described the playoff that would determine which team advances to the 2022 FIFA World Cup billed at Qatar from November 21 to December 18, 2022, as “potentially explosive.”
Football fans in Nigeria can look forward to the first leg of this classic rivalry on Friday, March 25, 2022, at 8:30pm Live on SuperSport, DStv Channel 203 and GOtv Channel 38.
Speaking ahead of the qualifying games, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe said, “The FIFA World Cup is football’s biggest event featuring the best players and national teams. We will be broadcasting the crucial qualifying matches between Ghana and Nigeria and more live on our SuperSport channels on DStv and GOtv, as we gear up for our unrivaled coverage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. This once again exemplifies our commitment to providing our customers with the best football content”.
The 71-year-old rivalry between these two African football champions will continue with an opening leg at the Cape Coast Stadium on March 25. Whatever the result would be, the Super Eagles will be determined to produce a masterpiece in the second leg on March 29 in Abuja to seal their place at the World Cup.
Iheanacho Kelechi is expected to replicate his performance at the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations when his stunning half volley silenced the pharaoh of Egypt. Also, Wilfred Ndidi is expected to take on the midfield and squash any potential attacks by the Ghanaians.
Invited to join the squad is Victor Osimhen, who has been very impressive at Napoli this season, scoring 13 in all competitions (9 goals in Serie A and 4 Europa League goals.)
Super Eagles crashed out of the African Nations Cup earlier this year with a 1- nil defeat in the knockout stage against Tunisia, after an impressive campaign in the group stage. While the Black Stars failed to progress to the knockout stage after a shocking defeat of 3-2 to Comoros in the group stage.
Watch the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ qualifier between the Black Stars of Ghana and the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Friday, 25 March from 8:30pm on DStv channel 203 and GOtv channel 38.
Visit www.dstvafrica.com and www.gotvafrica.com to stay connected, download MyDStv or MyGOtv app or you can dial *288#
