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Nigeria vs. Ghana: On Friday, Nigeria and Ghana play a West African rivalry at Stade de Marrakech.
Following their Africa Cup of Nations campaigns, both countries have seen turmoil. Jose Peseiro is no longer with the AFCON runners-up, while Otto Addo has rejoined the Black Stars dugout.
Despite finishing second in the Cup of Nations, Nigeria’s Super Eagles still need a permanent head coach going into their first World Cup matchup against Ghana after the Black Stars denied them a ticket.
Last but not least Although George was a member of Peseiro’s coaching staff, he appeared ready to lead the team on Friday.
However, it is unclear if the Super Eagles legend will hold the position going forward, especially after the country’s federation strangely posted a notice of the opening on their website two weeks ago, encouraging potential candidates to submit their applications.
The team’s consistency should be aided in the interim by George’s leadership, as the retired winger isn’t expected to ruin everything a month after the team’s AFCON defeat.
Under Portuguese coach Peseiro, Nigeria had a dismal record in friendlies, losing six of eight exhibition matches. The only victory came against Mozambique 3-2 in October 2023.
George intends to start the process of a turnaround with matches against Ghana and Mali during the international break. These matches could help to improve the terrible run of results in these kinds of matches.
It’s usually referred to as the “Jollof derby” on social media when the Black Stars play Ghana, and they’re still in shock from their early exit from AFCON 2023.
Following the West African team’s consecutive early exits from the finals due to a group-stage elimination that saw no wins, Addo returned to the position following Chris Hughton’s departure.
The team’s federation has turned back to the 48-year-old after he guided the four-time African champions to the 2022 World Cup, hoping for a similar result as he re acquaint himself with the position before returning on a permanent basis at the conclusion of the European campaign.
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Addo might make it three games without a loss against the Super Eagles on Friday after avoiding defeat in their last two meetings with Nigeria, a goalless draw in Ghana and a 1-1 draw in the rematch in Abuja.
With only one win in their previous eight games in all competitions (a 1-0 triumph over Madagascar during World Cup qualifying serving as the sole triumph), the Black Stars are hoping to avoid finishing the evening with just one win in nine.
Nigeria friendly form:
L L L D W L
Nigeria form (all competitions):
W W W W W L
Ghana friendly form:
W W W L L D
Ghana form (all competitions):
W L D L D D
Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong, two of Nigeria’s best players at AFCON 2023, are not present, nor are Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi.
Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the Cup of Nations due to injury, is back in the lineup for the three-time African champions, while Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen may start.
Ademola Lookman’s effect as a forward at the continental championship was evident, and if George sticks with a three-man defence, the Atalanta player intends to play in a similar role instead of being used as a winger.
Mohammed Kudus is Ghana’s most popular player, yet even with his great form, the team in Cote d’Ivoire was not motivated by him.
Industry is guaranteed by Jordan Ayew, and Nigeria’s defence may suffer from Antoine Semenyo, who scored two crucial goals in Bournemouth’s 4-3 Premier League victory against Luton Town.
Thomas Partey, who recently made a comeback from injury with Arsenal, the Premier League’s bottom team, is not included.
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Awaziem, Ajayi, Bassey; Osayi-Samuel, Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyemaechi; Tella, Lookman; Dessers
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Ati-Zigi; Lamptey, Djiku, Salisu, Mensah; Owusu, Diomande; Issahaku, Kudus, J. Ayew; Semenyo
Our prediction for this match 0-0 or 1-1 draw
