Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, says the Super Eagles “must not lose” to Ghana in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification playoff game.
Addressing some players and top brass of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in a virtual meeting, he said the team must channel its anger from exiting the AFCON at the round of 16 stage on the Black Stars.
The playoff match against Ghana will be contested on a home and away basis, with the winner advancing to the World Cup in Qatar.
The Nigeria Football Federation🇳🇬 says it’s committed to sealing that World Cup ticket for Qatar 22.
Here below the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, with Austin Eguavoen and Emmanuel Amuneke.
They met with @WatfordFC & @LCFC Nigeria players. pic.twitter.com/6MELdyFHWb
— Mimi Fawaz (@MimosaFawaz) February 16, 2022
The Black Stars will host the first leg at the Cape Coast Stadium on March 24 before travelling to face Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium three days later.
“I know you are still unhappy about the loss to Tunisia, but I want you to visit the anger of the defeat by Tunisia on Ghana. We all know about the history of the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana in football, and this is one fixture that we must not lose,” Dare said, as quoted by The Cable.
“We know that dogged spirit is there in you, and we also want you to see yourself as one big family. We have confidence in you that you can do it and will give you all the support.”
Amaju pinnick and Austin Eguavoen, Emmanuel Amuneke in London to meet with some Super Eagles players in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers against Ghana.
The minister of youth and Sport Sunday Dare also had a zoom meeting with over 30 players of the Super Eagles squad. pic.twitter.com/aaPuhtsOR0
— Temitope (@IamTopsy4real) February 15, 2022
He added: “Coaches Eguavoen and Amuneke have smooth access to the NFF President, and he will always be ready to provide what you need.
“As for the pitch of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, we have experts working there all the time, and I assure you it will be in perfect condition for the match.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria has not beaten Ghana in the last 16 years, with the Super Eagles’ last victory against the Black Stars coming in the 2006 AFCON.
