International Friendly: Nigeria vs Ghana Live
Preview: Nigeria vs Ghana
Nigeria vs Ghana is scheduled at the Stade de Marrakech on Friday at 4:00pm. Both countries have faced challenges since their Africa Cup of Nations participation, with Jose Peseiro no longer coaching the AFCON runners-up, and Otto Addo back in charge of the Black Stars.
Nigeria finished in second place at the Cup of Nations, but they are heading into their first match against Ghana without a permanent head coach. Finidi George is expected to lead the team, having been part of the coaching staff under Peseiro. It is uncertain if George will be given the job permanently, especially after the national federation recently advertised the vacancy on their website.
In the meantime, George’s leadership should provide continuity for the team, as he is not likely to make drastic changes following the team’s disappointing performance at AFCON. Under Peseiro, Nigeria struggled in friendly matches, winning only one out of eight games. The upcoming matches against Ghana and Mali present an opportunity for improvement, and George is eager to start the process of turning things around.
Addo has returned to his coaching position after Chris Hughton’s departure, which came after Ghana’s disappointing performance in the group stage where they did not secure any wins. The team has faced consecutive early exits in recent tournaments. Despite leading the team to the 2022 World Cup, the federation has brought back the 48-year-old coach in hopes of achieving similar success as he familiarizes himself with the role before taking it on permanently after the European season ends. With only one victory in their last eight games, a 1-0 win against Madagascar in World Cup qualifying, the Black Stars are aiming to avoid ending the night with just one win in nine matches.
Head-to-head
Ghana has managed to not lose in their previous two matches against Nigeria, with a scoreless draw in Ghana and a 1-1 tie in the return match in Abuja.
Prediction
Both teams are expected to be cautious and prioritize avoiding a loss, even though it is a friendly match. Due to recent changes in coaching staff, it may take some time for the managers to make an impact on their teams. Therefore, we predict a draw in this match.
