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Fierce rivals Ghana and Nigeria will battle for superiority in an international friendly between the two neighbours
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will file out against eternal rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana, in an international friendly. The highly-anticipated game will take place at the Marrakech stadium in Morroco.
It promises to be an exciting matchup as both sides come into this encounter on the back of conflicting fortunes.
Nigeria ended up as losing finalists in the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), while Ghana could not make it out of the group stage after failing to win a single match at the competition.
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17:50 - 19.03.2024
Nigeria vs Ghana: Time and where to watch Super Eagles face Black Stars
Don't miss the Super Eagles of Nigeria face off against the Black Stars of Ghana in an international friendly.
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08:09 - 21.03.2024
Nigeria vs Ghana: 3 things Finidi George must do against Super Eagles noisy neighbours to replace Peseiro permanently
Finidi George is set to audition for the Super Eagles' vacant managerial role when he takes charge of the team against Ghana and Mali.
However, Nigerians would not forget in a hurry that the former Gold Coast nation denied her the opportunity of playing at the 2024 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Nigeria played out a goalless draw against Ghana in Accra before the Black Stars came to Abuja and secured a 1-1 draw courtesy of a Thomas Partey strike aided by an Uzoho hurler.
The Super Eagles would be seeking redemption for that painful let-off, but then the Black Stars are no pushovers and clashes with Nigeria can easily be termed 'war.'
Meanwhile, let's delve into the key battles that will likely decide this tasty encounter.
1. Tactical mastery between Otto Addo vs Finidi George
Following Ghana's poor outing at AFCON 2023, the Ghanaian Football Association decided to part ways with Chris Hughton and appoint ex-international Otto Addo in his place.
The former Borussia Dortmund and Hamburg assistant manager had been in charge of the Ghanaian national team before, having led them for twelve matches between February and December 2022.
Meanwhile, Finidi George, a former Super Eagles forward - famous for donning Nigeria's number 7 shirt, was named José Peseiro's replacement (on an interim basis) after the Portuguese quit his position post-AFCON.
Finidi George led Nigeria Premier League club Enyimba to a league title last season and also served as assistant to José Peseiro during Nigeria's brilliant run at AFCON.
The former Ajax forward will be hoping to get one over his Ghanaian counterparts when both sides lock horns in what already promises to be an interesting game.
2. Ademola Lookman vs Mohammed Kudus
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West Ham ace Mohammed Kudus has been a revelation in the English Premier League. The Hammers would agree that they struck gold when they lured the Ghanaian from Dutch side Ajax for just £38m.
Since arriving in West London, Kudus has contributed to 20 goals so far, scoring 15 and providing 5 assists in 37 appearances.
On the flip side, Ademola Lookman was Nigeria's highest-scoring player at AFCON 2023, with three goals and one assist.
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07:14 - 20.03.2024
Jollof derby: Falconets to lead the war before Super Eagles battle Black Stars
Nigeria's U-20 girls go head-to-head with Ghana in the African Games final before the senior male teams lock horns on Friday
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19:50 - 20.03.2024
Nigeria vs Ghana: Super Eagles 2010 AFCON loss to Black Stars trends ahead of friendly
Pictures of the Super Eagles of Nigeria losing to the Black Stars of Ghana at the 2010 AFCON trends ahead of a friendly in Morocco.
He has also been pivotal for Serie A side Atalanta and even bagged a goal against Bologna on his return from Africa's biggest football competition.
It would be interesting to see who comes out on top in this exciting battle.
3. Stanley Nwabali vs Richard Ofori
Chippa United shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali was one of the revelations of the tournament for Nigeria at AFCON 2023.
The 27-year-old only narrowly missed out on the Golden Gloves award, losing to South Africa's Ronwen Williams.
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Meanwhile, Ghana's Richard Ofori was the villain as the Black Stars crashed out. He needlessly touched a ball that was going out of play in the dying seconds of the game against Cape Verde.
Ghana would pay the ultimate price for that error, as Cape Verde equalised from that particular corner kick.
Will Richard Ofori outshine Stanley Nwabali and redeem himself this time out ? We can only find out.
4. Fatawu Issahaku vs Calvin Bassey
Leicester City youngster Fatawu Issahaku is back in the squad to face Nigeria after rejecting the chance to represent Ghana at the last AFCON.
The 20-year-old striker, who is a teammate of Super Eagles stars Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, would be a threat to Nigeria's backline.
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Interestingly, Nigeria's defence has been very solid in recent times but will be missing the impressive William Troost-Ekong, who's out injured.
![Super Eagles Update: Finidi boys ramp up jollof war preparation with sweaty sessions [PHOTOS]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/21032024/ae0c7d06-4881-47da-86df-0ad4c9eb78c8.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
08:52 - 21.03.2024
Super Eagles Update: Finidi boys ramp up jollof war preparation with sweaty sessions [PHOTOS]
A full Nigeria squad united as Finidi George's Super Eagles turn up heat in Marrakech for Ghana and Mali.
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09:43 - 21.03.2024
Beating Nigeria to win AFCON 2023 was 'destiny' - Ivory Coast star Haller revels in tournament glory
2023 AFCON final goalscorer Sebastien Haller has revealed the teams surprise at being able to lift the trophy on home soil
In his place, the ever-reliable Calvin Bassey would marshall the backline to stifle any threat that Issahaku might bring.
5. Tariq Lampteq vs Zaidu Sanusi
Brighton star Tariq Lampteq has not enjoyed the sort of form that saw him break into the Seagulls' first team, but he would be out to impose himself on the game when Nigeria face Ghana.
Well-known for his marauding runs down the right flank, coupled with his excellent deliveries and eye for goal, the 20-year-old is definitely one to keep an eye on.
However, Lampteq would have his work cut out when he comes against Zaidu Sanusi, Ola Aina, Jamilu Collins or whoever gets the nod to start at leftback for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria versus Ghana is always a heavyweight clash, whether in an international friendly or a competitive game, and this encounter will be no different. Who wants this one more? Ghana or Nigeria. We will find out by Friday.
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