By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has rallied his teammates to be ready to go the extra mile to beat Ghana’s Black Stars at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi when both teams clash on Friday in the first leg of the final round match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Super Eagles pre-match press conference held at the team’s camp, The Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja, Musa said Nigeria is primed to beat Ghana on Friday in Kumasi.
According to him: “We have heard a lot about Black Stars’ invincibility in Kumasi. We’ll see on Friday if it’s true when they face us. That was how Benin Republic national team was making mouth that they have never lost home matches in Porto Novo and we (Super Eagles) went there and beat them. This is what we will do to Ghana in Kumasi. There is no point talking too much”.
Speaking further he said the players are still not happy with themselves how the team lost to Tunisia in the AFCON Round of 16 match in Garoua, Cameroon, pointing out that they will use the games against Ghana to appease millions of Nigerian fans who felt disappointed with the team.
Said he: For us (players), the way we were knocked out in the last AFCON in Cameroon was not good. But we are here now for the match against Ghana. No need to talk too much. We have resolved to redeem our nation’s image by beating Ghana to get FIFA World Cup ticket”.
Asked if the players in camp understand the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, Musa said everyone of them are aware of what is at stake and will defend their badge.
On the calibre of players invited for the two-legged encounters with Ghana compared to those who went to the last AFCON, the Super Eagles skipper said Nigeria has abundance of talents and anyone can play for the nation.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria is blessed with talents and at anytime new players will join the team. The important thing is that anyone who comes in will adjust and be ready to showcase his talent”, Musa concluded.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles Vice Captain and Watford FC defender, William Troost-Ekong has dispelled the rumour that he is injured and may not give his best against Ghana.
The player who spoke at the pre-match press conference in Abuja said there was a misinformation about his injury story, pointing out that there was communication gap in the whole episode.
Said he: “there was a miscommunication about my injury but I have been training with my club since two weeks ago. There is no cause for alarm. I am fit and ready to give my best as I always do for the Super Eagles”.
