CAPE COAST, GHANA - AUGUST 28: Ghana v Nigeria during the 2023 CHAN Qualifier first leg match between Ghana s Black Galaxies and Super Eagles B team at Cape Coast Stadium on the August 28, 2022 in Cape Coast, Ghana. Photo by IMAGO
Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba has cautioned Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles not to underestimate the determination of Ghana’s Black Galaxies ahead of their crucial playoff return leg in Uyo on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The stakes are high, with the overall winner set to qualify for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled to take place in February 2025 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The first leg in Accra ended goalless, leaving all to play for in the return fixture.
Former Borussia Dortmund striker and one-time Africa Footballer of the Year Ikpeba urged Nigeria’s home-based stars to seize the moment.
“The CHAN Eagles must fight because this is one game that Ghana do not want to lose,” Ikpeba told SuperSport.
“We all remember what happened with the Super Eagles against the same Ghana for the 2022 World Cup.”
Ikpeba highlighted the significance of qualification, not just for national pride but also for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and its players.
“This is a big chance for the league and home-based players to show what they are capable of,” he added.
“Many of us have had our reservations about the players in the NPFL, particularly going by their performance on the continent.”
In preparation for the decisive clash, the CHAN Eagles have bolstered their squad by recalling five players, including forwards Samuel Ayanrinde (Shooting Stars) and Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors).
Both are expected to add firepower to Nigeria’s attack with their physicality and goal-scoring prowess.
Midfielder Kazeem Ogunleye (Enugu Rangers), Vincent Temitope (Plateau United), and Badmus Gbadamosi (Kwara United) also return to the fold after being initially omitted from the trip to Ghana.
The team is already in Uyo and have been training twice a day, focusing on securing a crucial victory on home soil.
The match against Ghana kicks off at 5 pm on Saturday, with Nigeria looking to redeem recent setbacks against Ghana and secure a spot in Africa’s prestigious tournament for home-based players.
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