2014 CHAN: Nigeria, Ghana Renew Rivalry …Seek Final’s Ticket

The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Ghana’s Black Stars will tonight bring the eternal football rivalry between both countries as the two sides battle for a ticket to the final of the third edition of CAF’s competiton for Home-based players, African Nations Championship (CHAN) currently going on in South Africa.
It is certainly going to e a titanic clash between the two sides aiming to win the championship for the first time.
Nigeria is participating in the competition for the first time, while Ghana has been part of the fray since inception.
But both teams navigated different routes to the last four stage. While the Super Eagles lost one and won two, scoring 12 and conceding eight goals with six points the Black Stars secured two 1-0 wins and a 1-1 draw, respectively, against Congo, Ethiopia and Libya to top Group B and beat Congo 1-0 in the qualifier final.
They scored four and conceded only one.
So, it is going to be the highest scoring side versus the meanest defence in an encounter that promises to be keenly contested.
With the Ghana/Nigeria rivalry dating back to 1951 and the proven pedigree of both sides coming into plan, the encounter promises enthralling moments for fans and supporters.
The Super Eagles and indeed Nigerians are optimistic that after overcoming the opening day loss to Mali and coming from three goals down to oust Morocco 4-3 in the quarter final, there would be no stopping the Eagles enroute to lifting the trophy.
The players and Coach Stephen Keshi have promised to deliver and move on to the final.
According to the teams media officer, Ben Alaiya, the team has been prepared both physically and mentally for the must-win encounter.
“Everything is working well for the team ahead of today’s match. The team’s psychologist, Robinson Okosun also worked on their confidence. All things being equal, the Super Eagles are ready to face Ghana”, he said.
The two countries have met 49 times, Ghana won 21, lost 10 with 18 drawn matches.
Today, however, statistics will count for little when action begins at the Free State Stadium. South Africa, as only the side with the right strategy and mental strength would triumph.

Tonye Orabere

Super Eagles’ Gbolaham Salami (9) trying to round up an opposing goalkeeper at the CHAN in South Africa