Sports

CHAN qualifier heats up as Nigeria, Ghana coaches engage in verbal spat

"Ogunmodede of Nigeria and Mas-Ud Didi Dramani of Ghana, have expressed confidence in their teams' abilities, exchanging a war of words at the pre-match press conference on Friday evening"

369

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown between Nigeria and Ghana in the CHAN qualifying tie-breaker on Saturday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom’s capital city.

As tensions build, both coaches, Daniel Ogunmodede of Nigeria and Mas-Ud Didi Dramani of Ghana, have expressed unwavering confidence in their teams’ abilities.

At the pre-match press conference on Friday evening, the coaches engaged in a war of words, each attempting to assert psychological dominance.

Ghana’s coach, Dramani, remained defiant, insisting that his team created more scoring opportunities in the first leg in Accra.

He vowed that his side would not be easy prey for the Nigerian Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

“We created far more chances and were unlucky not to score. No need crying over spilt milk. Tomorrow is an opportunity to get the goals and qualify for the CHAN,” he said.

Ogunmodede, however, remained unfazed by Ghana’s past victories over Nigeria, including their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.

“They may be depending on so much history and the times they have been victorious over Nigeria, especially in the CHAN, but we are blind to that.

“In camp, we are not allowing any historical talk to distract us. We are focused on achieving the win that will see us qualify for the finals,” he said.

The Nigeria coach appealed to fans to come out in large numbers to support the team, just as the Ghanaians did in the first leg.

“Our special plea is for the fans to troop out on Saturday to come and support the boys. The Ghanaians came out in large numbers to support their team in the first leg, and this imbued their players with extra energy and aggression,” he said.

With both teams determined to emerge victorious, Saturday’s match promises to be an exciting encounter.

The winner will qualify for the 8th African Nations Championship finals.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

NSC Promises to Foster Inclusive Sports Governance, Revive Abandoned Initiatives

Mallam Shehu Dikko, the National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, has reaffirmed his...

Slot Delighted with Liverpool’s Carabao Cup Final Berth, Eyes More Silverware

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is thrilled to have booked his first English...

Nigeria U-17 set to miss back-to-back World Cup after CAF snub

The Golden Eaglets’ hopes of participating in the 2025 U-17 AFCON in...

Brazilian Marcelo Announces Retirement from Football at 36

Brazilian defender Marcelo has announced his retirement from football at the age...

Trump Issues Executive Order Restricting Transgender Athletes’ Participation in Women’s Sports

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order titled “Keeping Men...

Victor Boniface Scores Winning Goal as Bayer Leverkusen Stun Koln in DFB Pokal Quarterfinals

Nigerian striker Victor Boniface was the hero for Bayer Leverkusen as they...

Just in: Badminton Federation of Nigeria Appoints Blessing Ekwe Chisalam as Chief Operating Officer

The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) has announced the appointment of Blessing...

NSC Pledges Support as Team Nigeria Heads to Badminton Championship in Douala

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigerian...

Haaland’s ‘Stay Humble’ Advice Comes Back to Haunt Him as Arsenal Thrash Manchester City

By Samuel Akpan with agency report Erling Haaland’s advice to Arsenal’s players...

Nigerian striker Boniface Marks Return with Goal as Leverkusen Down Hoffenheim 3-1

Victor Boniface made a stunning return to action, scoring a goal as...

NSC Inaugurates Elite Athletes and Podium Board to Drive Medal-Winning Performances

“The reason why we are calling this a board and not a...

Sports Development: A Critical Component of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda – Presidency

The Presidency has reaffirmed that sports development plays a vital role in...

Nigerian Star Ademola Lookman Ruled Out of Atalanta’s Champions League Clash at Barcelona

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman will miss Atalanta’s crucial Champions League match against...

Super Eagles Get Tricky AFCON 2025 Draw with Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C

The stage is set for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025,...

Sinner Retains Australian Open Title with Dominant Display Against Zverev

Jannik Sinner, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, has made history by successfully...

Guardiola’s City Implode at Parc des Princes, Champions League Elimination Stare at the Citizens

By Samuel Akpan with agency report Manchester City’s Champions League campaign is...

Barcelona pulls off sensational comeback in Lisbon, defeat Benfica 5-4

In a match that will be etched in the memories of football...

Djokovic stuns Alcaraz in Australian Open thriller, cruise into semi-final

Novak Djokovic have produced an incredible comeback to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in...

Football development: NFF begins construction of hostel, world-class pitches

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commenced the construction of a hostel...

Neymar opens up on Mbappé’s jealousy after Messi’s arrival at PSG

Former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Neymar has disclosed that Kylian Mbappé experienced...