Finidi opens up on tactics, names captain

Friday willl witness the latest installment of the Nigeria vs
Ghana rivalry as the Super Eagles of Nigeria and
the Blacks Stars of Ghana clash
in an international friendly match in Morocco. While the stakes are
relatively low, both teams have an eye on the upcoming FIFA 2026
World Cup Qualifiers billed for June.

The Super Eagles have not beaten the Black Stars in an official
match since a 1-0 win at the AFCON in Egypt 18 years ago and the
last international friendly between these two teams was in 2011 in
London and the game ended goalless.

The Super Eagles, with only two points from a possible six in
their first two matches in the qualifiers, will tackle South Africa before
squaring up to the Cheetahs of Benin Republic who is being
coached by the team’s former handler Gernot Rohr away from home
while the Black Stars of Ghana, with three points from beating
Madagascar and losing away to Comoros, are up against the Eagles of
Mali away from home as well before hosting Central African Republic
in their next round of qualifiers.

During this international window, the Super Eagles will also
play Mali while the Black Stars will be up against Uganda next
Tuesday in Marrakech, Morocco. 

Coach ‘George of the Eagles’ wants to
emerge victorious

As the highly anticipated Nigeria vs Ghana clash looms on the
horizon, interim coach Finidi George has exuded confidence in his
team’s preparedness. 

“The team is ready, they understand what’s at stake. The age-old
rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana serves as an additional
motivation for the players. We’re good to go, the guys are ready,
they know what’s at stake, and we just want to have a good game on
Friday, hopefully with God being on our side we will win it.”

When questioned about his tactical approach, Finidi emphasized
continuity with a hint of adaptation. 

“We’re not changing much, just incorporating a few elements to
aid the players,” said the current gaffer of NPFL side Enyimba FC,
while stating that the players would be more focused on tactical
precision and aiming to regain possession swiftly against the
Ghanaians.

Regarding the team captaincy, Finidi hinted at two likely
candidates. “Ndidi or Kelechi are there,” he stated, affirming a
wealth of leadership within the squad.

Addressing the concerns of Nigerian fans eagerly awaiting the
showdown, Finidi offered reassurance.

“We’re determined to emerge victorious, with the high spirits in
the camp, we’ll do the needful”.

Who wins the Nigeria vs Ghana ‘Jollof
Derby’?

The Nigeria-Ghana clash isn’t just about football; it symbolizes
a deep-seated rivalry and cultural pride. Termed the ‘Jollof derby’
on social media, it encapsulates the intense passion shared between
the two nations.

Only on Thursday night at the Cape Coast stadium, the Black
Princesses of Ghana came from behind to beat their Nigerian
counterparts in the final of the ongoing African Games in Ghana by
2-1 after extra time, handing over the bragging rights to the
nation whose passion for the game is unrivaled less than 24 hours
to kickoff in Morocco.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, anticipation has reached
a fever pitch. Both teams brace themselves for the monumental
encounter, knowing that beyond the football field, a nation’s pride
hangs in the balance.