The Nigerian Super Eagles and the Ghanaian black stars will battle in the decisive second leg of their World Cup play-off in Abuja tonight.
After a 0-0 draw in Kumasi on Friday, two of West African football’s traditional heavyweights head for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium where Nigeria will be hoping that home advantage can inspire them to book their place in Qatar.
However, Nigeria now return to home soil where they have struggled to get going, claiming just two wins from their last nine games since 2019, while losing three and claiming four draws in that time.
Nigeria, currently 32nd in the latest FIFA World Rankings, will look to end this dry spell at home and equal Cameron’s record for the most represented African nation in the history of the World Cup with seven appearances.
Ahead of Tuesday’s cracker, Coach Austin Eguavoen is likely going to drop Nantes winger and Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze for Ademola Lookman and Dennis Emmanuel respectively.
Meanwhile, the Otto-Addo led Black stars will be boosted by the return of skipper Andre Ayew who will be coming back after missing the first leg due to suspension.
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Uzoho; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Balogun, Sanusi; Onyeka, Etebo; Lookman, Aribo, Dennis; Osimhen
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Wollacott; Mensah, Amartey, Djiku, Odoi; Partey, Baba, Kudus; J Ayew, Afena-Gyan, A Ayew
Prediction
Nigeria 1-0 Ghana