The highly anticipated match between Nigeria and Ghana, known as the 'Jollof Derby' on social media, appears to have extra tension as Nigeria seeks revenge in a friendly game in Morocco. The Punch reports.
Both teams have undergone changes since their Africa Cup of Nations campaigns. Jose Peseiro is no longer the coach of the Super Eagles after his contract ended in February, while Otto Addo has returned to lead the Black Stars.
The Eagles are approaching today’s game with determination as it marks their first encounter with Ghana since the Black Stars prevented them from going to the World Cup in 2022.
Still feeling the impact of their last match at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where a 1-1 draw against Ghana denied them a place in Qatar; Finidi George’s team is highly motivated for this game, with the coach emphasizing that it's more than just a friendly match.
‘‘The team is prepared, they know what is at stake. The rivalry against Ghana is also an extra motivation and we just want to have a good game. Definitely, we want to win it and with the high spirit in camp, we can do it,’’ said Finidi.
‘‘In terms of tactics, we are not changing much. Just adding a few elements. We will be very tactical and see how we are going to win the ball as much as possible.’’
Since 2022, when Peseiro took charge of the national team, the Eagles have lost six out of eight friendly games, with the 3-2 win over Mozambique last October being their only victory.
The fixtures against Ghana and Mali during this international break could help change the poor run of results, and Finidi hopes to start the process of improvement with the game against the Black Stars.
Meanwhile, Addo, who has returned after Chris Hughton’s departure following Ghana's elimination in the 2023 AFCON, will aim to maintain his undefeated record as coach against Nigeria.
Addo has already avoided defeat in two meetings against Nigeria, having a goalless draw in Ghana and a 1-1 draw in Abuja. He could extend this unbeaten record against the Eagles today.
However, he faces a tough challenge as he takes over a side that has only won one of their last eight games in all competitions — a 1-0 victory over Madagascar in World Cup qualifying.
