Nigeria striker Emenike cautiously optimistic of win over Ghana

Published on: 23 July 2011

By Ameenu Shardow

Striker Emmanuel Emenike believes Nigeria is capable of beating the highly fancied Ghana team in next month's friendly.

The Super Eagles will be looking to get one over their West African rivals at the Vicarage Road, home of Watford, on August 9.

The odds are however stuck against the Nigerians who have suffered three successive defeats between the two sides but the Fenerbahce hitman seems unfazed by the daunting task ahead.

"They had a fantastic run at the 2010 Nations Cup and World Cup, so everyone automatically expect them to continue the trend," Emenike said.

"A strong team that will give us a good run, but that doesn’t mean they are unbeatable."

In a similar fixture back in February 2007, the Black Stars claimed the West African bragging rights with their first win over Nigeria in 15 years.

The Black Stars of Ghana triumphed by a 4-1 victory at Brentford's Griffin Park in London on that occasion.

And since then, the Super Eagles are yet to beat Ghana in any friendly or competitive game at the senior level.

But Fenerbahce of Turkey man, Emenike, knows the intense rivalry means they have to win this particular game.

"We know how significant it is to play well and win against Ghana because our fans will talk about this for a long time," Emenike said.

"Interestingly, all the players have resolved to fight hard for the 2012 Nations Cup ticket to start with but if we can do well against Ghana, that will boost the confidence of the squad."

Emenike, who scored his first Super Eagles goal in the 4-1 friendly win against Argentina early last month is looking forward to the game.

"It doesn't matter who get to play in this game or who scores, what is significant is for us to do well for Nigeria and take the same spirit into our Nations Cup qualifier," he added.

Fenerbahçe
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