Any match between Nigeria and Ghana creates a real buzz of excitement. So, there is much anticipation for the forthcoming World Cup qualifier between the two national teams.
The first leg of the contest will take place at the Cape Coast Stadium, on Friday, March 25, 2022, with the second leg happening on March 29, 2022, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The winner will have the opportunity to play at the World Cup Finals taking place in Qatar from November 21 to December 18, 2022.
So, which team will achieve its goal?
According to the expert from JustGamblers that predicts gambling outcomes and odds says;
“Looking at the recent form of the teams, you have to say that Nigeria has the edge. But these are two teams with a long competitive history behind them, so you can never rule out a surprise victory by Ghana. Having said that, this would be really against the odds.”
Long rivalry between the two teams
The rivalry that this expert referred to dates back to 1938, although the first officially recognised match between the two teams happened at the Jalco Cup, in 1951.
Of the matches that have taken place since then, Ghana has won 23 and Nigeria has been victorious on 16 occasions. There have also been 18 drawn matches.
However, this history does not necessarily have a direct impact on the result of this World Cup qualifier. It’s important to consider the current situation for both teams.
Nigeria will be eager to triumph in the game in order to progress to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. If they do so, this will be a record-equalling seventh appearance for an African side. If Ghana come out winners, it will be their fourth appearance at the World Cup finals.
Odds favour Nigeria based on current form
Looking at current form, the odds are in favour of Nigeria to win the contest. They reached the last 16 at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations whereas Ghana had a disappointing competition and went out in the group stages.
Following their exit, Ghana sacked coach Milovan Rajevac. This is not the ideal lead-up to an important World Cup qualifier.
Given these facts, there is no doubt that most people are expecting Nigeria to win over the two legs. This would mean them heading towards a meeting with other top nations at the World Cup finals in Qatar.
However, this does not take account of the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana which has been in existence for over half a century. This is sure to mean that Ghana will be desperate to show their opponents what they are capable of.
So, it could be that Ghana surprises the experts and wins against the odds. Only time will tell if this is the case. But, in the situation that exists right now, most neutrals will feel that Nigerian players will book their place on a flight to Qatar in November.
