Former Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu has backed the Tremendous Eagles to finish their 14-year winless jinx once they face Ghana in a Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying play-off this Friday on the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi on Friday.
The Blacks Stars have an edge over the Eagles going into this tie, with Otto Addo’s facet profitable 21 video games, drawing 18 and dropping 10.
The Eagles final defeated the Blacks Stars on January 23, 2006, in an Africa Cup of Nations recreation in Port Stated, Egypt courtesy of a long-range strike from Taye Taiwo.
After that victory, each groups have met 4 instances with the Eagles recording one draw and three defeats.
Nevertheless, 11 years after their final assembly in a pleasant on the Vicarage Highway in England, which ended goalless, each West African international locations are set for an epic battle for one in every of Africa’s 5 tickets to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Talking with The PUNCH, former Eagles captain Kanu stated, “We’ve got a very good crew to qualify us for the World Cup however technically we have to be cautious, we should not choose them (Ghana) primarily based on how they fared on the AFCON in Cameroon.
“It’s going to be essential and I imagine we’ll beat them to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar. The crew will do us proud.”
Retired goalkeeper and Atlanta 1996 Olympics gold medallist Dosu Joseph additionally echoed his former teammate’s ideas, insisting that that includes on the World Cup was sufficient motivation for the Eagles to beat Ghana.
“Enjoying Ghana has not been simple whether or not in friendlies, tournaments or in age-grade competitions, this is not going to be an exception. The gamers and coaches know what’s at stake and I imagine with the standard of gamers within the crew, we are able to beat Ghana to qualify,” Dosu stated.
One other ex-keeper Ike Shorunmu, who performed for the Eagles between 1992 and 2002, believes Austin Eguavoen’s plentiful attacking abilities will make the distinction.
Eguavoen listed 9 forwards Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Sadiq Umar, Samuel Chukwueze and Emmanuel Dennis for the sport.
“I count on a really tight recreation in Kumasi, nevertheless, I’m optimistic the strikers at our disposal will give us an edge,” he stated.
“We’ve got not crushed Ghana in our final 4 conferences and the gamers are conscious of this and the significance of the sport. So, it’s an opportunity to finish that.”
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