GHANA VS NIGERIA: EGUAVOEN POSSIBLE XI AS OTTO ADDO SET THOMAS PARTEY IN MIDFIELD

Ghana will take on Nigeria 8.30pm “Naija” time, Friday, March 25, at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi in the first leg of their World Cup playoff.

The encounter will obviously be the most explosive in the continent today with Nigeria ranked the third best team in Africa before the clash.

The three-time African Champions on paper are tipped as the favourite going into the match. But Ghana are considered to possess advantage and strength in the midfield, especially with the absence of Wilfred Ndidi of Nigeria who is down with injury, while Alex Iwobi will be missing the game due to suspension.

Coach Otto Addo of Ghana tactical set-up will most likely go for attack with the home advantage of the supporters. For the Nigeria interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, his team will presumably maintain the upfront that was effective at the AFCON in Cameroon despite losing to Tunisia at the knock-out stage.

In the absence of first choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho would be in goal for the Super Eagles, while Daniel Akpeyi could be selected as the second choice goalkeeper to the match.

In defense William Ekong, Zaidu Sanusi are experienced to lead the Nigerian team at the back four. While, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze have the capacity to pull a shock at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The Ghanian counterpart, Otto Addo will rely on Crystal Place forward Jordan Ayew, Arsenal‘s Thomas Partey in midfield with support from Wakaso Mubarak and in defense Leicester’s City’s Daniel Amartey is expected to put a check on Victor Osimhen. While both supporters wait to know the out-come of the encounter, can France base Gideon Mensah who ply his trade with Bordeaux stop Leicester City’s forward Kelechi Iheanacho and African golden boot winner Odion Ighalo?  Kick off time is 8.30pm “Naija “time.