📰 Table Of Contents
Recommended bets
[RECOMMENDED_BETS]
First leg score: Ghana 0-0 Nigeria.
Nigeria haven’t beaten Ghana for 15 years, having enjoyed a 15-year unbeaten streak of their own directly before this. Ghana’s last victory in Nigeria came in the 1965 Azikiwe Cup, failing in nine attempts since then.
Under 2.5 goals and both teams to score NO is 8/13.
Nigeria to win and both teams to score NO is 15/8.
Nigeria to win and under 2.5 goals is 12/5.
Match preview
There was nothing to separate these two fierce rivals in Kumasi, but there must be a winner as they meet again in Abuja.
After the break, Mohammed Kudus’s solo run resulted in him having a shot, but he too couldn’t find the opener.
All in all, it was a game of few chances and one that didn’t produce any goals.
Given that they now host the first leg, it should be advantage Nigeria but, with the away goals rule in play, don’t count out Ghana just yet.
Nigeria made their World Cup debut at USA ’94 and have only failed to qualify for one tournament since then, missing out on Germany 2006.
The Super Eagles are actually winless in two home games, losing 1-0 to Central African Republic before a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde.
But, prior the former, they hadn’t lost a home World Cup qualifier since 1981 and certainly don’t want another here.
Ghana meanwhile qualified for three successive World Cups between 2006 and 2014 before that streak was ended by Egypt en route to Russia.
The Black Stars were shambolic at January’s Africa Cup of Nations, winning none of their games so going out in the group stages.
This promoted a change of management with interim coach Otto Addo now looking to take his country to the World Cup in his first act in charge.
It’s fair to say these West African rivals do not like each other so, roared on by a huge crowd, will Nigeria make home advantage count at Moshood Abiola National Stadium?
Nigeria team news
In the first leg, Kelechi Ịheanachọ got the nod up front alongside Victor Osimhen after the Napoli striker missed AFCON with a broken cheekbone.
They were flanked by Moses Simon and Samu Chukwueze, but Nigeria boast an array of attacking options in reserve.
Ademola Lookman, who made his international debut off the bench in Ghana, Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis will be in reserve.
Further back, Bonke Innocent and Joe Aribo were chosen as the midfield duo, over Frank Onyeka.
These two did a good job deputising for Wilfred Ndidi who’ll miss this tie injured and that’s a serious blow.
Captain William Troost-Ekong will win his 60th cap at centre-back, while Rangers’ Calvin Bassey won his very first on Friday.
Ghana team news
As for the visitors, André Ayew, who has 103 international caps to his name, is available again after suspension.
He could join an attack featuring brother Jordan and Felix Afena-Gyan with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku missing out.
Thomas Partey will continue to anchor the midfield with Daniel Amartey partnered by Alexander Djiku at centre-back.
Denis Odoi, who made his Ghana debut a decade after his one and only Belgium cap, will keep his place at right-back.
Swindon Town’s Joe Wollacott is the first-choice goalkeeper having started all seven competitive games since his debut back in October.
– 101 Great Goals may earn commission from links on this page. Our content is always original. Note that all of our reviewers are compensated for contributing content to 101 Great Goals. Learn more.
