Arch-rivals Ghana and Nigeria will renew rivalry in an international friendly at Grande de Stade Marrakech in Morocco on Friday, March 22, 2024 forty-one days after the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire.
The two West African football giants will be meeting for the first time since the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off in March 2022 when Ghana advanced to the World Cup after a 1-1 draw against Nigeria in Abuja and a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Sports stadium. Both countries suffered heartbreak at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, albeit at various stages of the tournament.
The Super Eagles lost the final to hosts Cote D’Ivoire, while the Black Stars exited at the group stage – leading to the departure of Chris Hughton and the appointment of former Ghana star Otto Addo on a long term contract.
Nigeria have also made a change in the technical department by hiring former midfielder Finidi George in place of the departed Jose Peseiro.
Ghana coach Otto Addo is on a mission to rebuild the squad after recent disappointments in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in Cameroon and Cote D’Ivoire as well as in Qatar where the Black Stars exited the World Cup at the group stage.
The team in Morocco is without some key players but Otto Addo has other options to fall on. Youngsters, Francis Abu, Forson Amankwaa, Ebenezer Annan, Tariq Lamptey, Osman Ibrahim and Jerome Opoku have all been drafted in to fight for a place in the team as part of the reconstruction exercise.
Regardless of some key absentees, the likes of Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Abdul Samed Salis, Antoine Semenyo, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku Denis Odoi, Osman Bukari Baba Iddisu and Alidu Seidu are all available for selection.
Team news
Nigeria have been dealt a blow with Victor Osimhen having been ruled out with an inflammation of an old injury. Also set to miss the game are Taiwo Awoniyi, Tyronne Awonyi and Gabriel Osho.
Ghana are also without Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, Joseph Painstil, Inaki Williams, Mohammed Kudus, Daniel Amartey and Alexander Djiku as they look to build up their fitness with their clubs for various injuries.
