The two regional rivals played to a goalless draw in Accra on Sunday, setting the stage for a crucial final qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
“We are doing everything to stay focused by avoiding any distractions. Yes, we got a scoreless draw in the first leg away and now playing at home, but we are not in any way carried away. Our objective was to score an away goal in Accra but that did not happen.
“On Saturday, we will approach the game like our lives depend on it. Our watchword is getting the win that will qualify us for the African Nations Championship finals coming up in East Africa.”
The eighth edition of this competition, which features players from their respective domestic leagues, will take place in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from February 1 to 28, 2025.
Nigeria displayed solid defense at the Accra Sports Stadium, relying on counter-attacks, but will need to adopt a more aggressive approach from the outset at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The intense rivalry between the two nations, Ghana’s failure to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, and the history of previous encounters in the African Nations Championship contribute to the anticipation surrounding Saturday’s match, which promises to be an electrifying contest.
The Black Stars have not reached the 35th AFCON finals, competing in a group with Sudan, Angola, and Niger Republic, and the Galaxies are determined to avoid following a similar path. Ghana last missed the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004.