Former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju believes Ghana’s poor showing at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations can play into the Super Eagles’ hands when both teams face off in March.
Nigeria and Ghana have been drawn in the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-off, with the winner of the two-legged tie progressing to the global showpiece in Qatar.
Nigeria are hoping to qualify for the second straight time, having featured in the last edition in Russia. For Ghana, they missed out in 2018 and qualification will mark a return to the global showpiece.
“Sure! that [Ghana’s shock early exit from Afcon] can play into the Super Eagles’ advantage and it is good for us, but we should do our homework well and the players must be ready and prepared for the big game,” Adepoju told Goal.
“However, having disappointed at the Africa Cup of Nations and following their absence from the 2018 edition in Russia, the Black Stars will do all it takes to return to the big stage.
“Even at that, the quality in our team and with a positive mindset, I strongly believe that Nigeria will triumph.”
Ghana will hold the first leg possibly at the Baba Yara Stadium while the Teslim Balogun Stadium is likely to host the reverse fixture, also in March.