Nigeria Vs Ghana: Nigeria achieved a narrow victory in a friendly match against Ghana in Marrakesh. Despite the absence of key player Victor Osimhen, Nigeria managed to maintain control with goals from Cyriel Dessers and substitute Ademola Lookman.
Dessers scored a first-half penalty due to a handball, while Lookman sealed the win with a late goal after Ghana was reduced to ten men due to Jerome Opoku’s red card.
Ghana, on the other hand, faced another setback following a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign. Despite the loss, the experimental side showed potential under the guidance of returning coach Otto Addo.
Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace scored a stoppage-time penalty, narrowing the scoreline but not enough to change the outcome.
The win was a significant uplift for Nigeria and the temporary head coach, Finidi George, particularly following the team’s narrow loss in the final of the recent Africa Cup of Nations to Ivory Coast.
On the other hand, despite the defeat, Ghana showed promise with a performance that provided a basis for cautious optimism.
The match ended with Nigeria securing a 2-1 win, highlighting areas of improvement for both teams as they prepare for future competitions.
The rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana extends beyond the pitch, embodying a significant cultural and sporting clash that resonates deeply with both nations.
Finidi George, the interim coach of Nigeria, emphasizes the serious nature of these matchups, highlighting the disappointment of Ghana’s recent performance at the Africa Cup of Nations and their determination to overturn that narrative.
Despite injuries that have sidelined key Nigerian players, George expresses confidence in his squad’s ability to uphold their national pride with passion and patriotism.
He views the upcoming friendly matches as critical opportunities for the team and himself as he eyes the permanent managerial position following his successful stint with Enyimba and his previous role as an assistant for Nigeria.
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On the other hand, Otto Addo returns to coach Ghana with a refreshed perspective, and a squad facing numerous injuries marks a new chapter for the team.
With an eye toward the future, Addo aims to blend the energy of less experienced players with the guidance of seasoned professionals, fostering a promising outlook for the Black Stars despite recent setbacks.
This narrative sets the stage for a poignant clash between the two teams, each looking to assert dominance and shift the momentum in their favour as they prepare for upcoming challenges on the international stage.
Given Ghana’s recent form and challenges, they might need help against Nigeria, who reached the final in the recent Africa Cup of Nations. The prediction leans towards a Nigeria win with a possible scoreline of 2-0.
Ghana team news
Thomas Partey is absent for Ghana once more, as he remains with Arsenal to focus on regaining his fitness after a season marred by injuries. Instead of joining the national team, Partey recently played in a closed-door friendly for Arsenal against QPR.
Ghana will also be without Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, who has sustained an injury this week, and Joseph Paintsil, Inaki Williams, and Majeed Ashimeru, who are all sidelined for various reasons.
In response to these absences, Ghana has brought in late call-ups, including Nurudeen Abdulai, Fredrick Asare, Osman Bukari, Edmund Addo, Jerome Opoku, Forson Amankwaah, Ebenezer Annan, Baba Iddrisu, and Francis Abu to bolster the squad.
Nigeria team news
Nigeria is facing significant player absences for the friendly match in Marrakesh, notably missing their leading striker Victor Osimhen due to injury, ruling him out of this game and the upcoming encounter with Mali.
The team will also be without captain William Troost-Ekong, recovering from surgery, and Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi and Empoli’s Tyronne Ebuehi due to their injuries.
Nigeria will also miss AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze and Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina. Luton defender Gabriel Osho, who was supposed to join the team for the first time, will also be absent.
These absences present significant challenges for interim coach Finidi George as he prepares his squad for the match.
How to watch Nigeria vs Ghana
The Nigeria vs Ghana match must be broadcast live on UK TV channels. However, viewers in the UK can stream the game live through the Bet365 website, given they meet the platform’s requirements for live streaming.
Join us for live coverage of the friendly match between Nigeria and Ghana in Marrakesh, Morocco. This game marks both teams’ return to action following their recent African Cup of Nations performances.
Under the interim leadership of the esteemed Finidi George, Nigeria aims to recover from their recent narrow loss in the Africa Cup of Nations final despite the absence of key figures like Victor Osimhen.
Meanwhile, under the reappointed coach, Otto Addo, Ghana aims to overcome recent disappointments and start a new chapter.
The match, often called the ‘Jollof Derby,’ is set to kick off this afternoon at 4 pm GMT. Stay with us for all the pre-match buildup, team news, and live match updates from the Stade de Marrakech.