Ghana hosted Nigeria today to a 0-0 draw game at Kumasi, Ghana, and a week after The Blacks Stars will travel to Nigeria for a return leg.
The last time Nigeria won against the Black Stars was in 2006/01/23, in the Caf Africa Cup of Nations. When they beat them to a narrow 1-0.
Both Nation’s rivalry continued as they have now met 50 times, Ghana has had most of the wins of 21, Nigeria won 10 and 19 draws between both sides.
Coach Austin Eguavoen decided to go with a lineup of Francis Uzoho (Omania), Troost Ekong (Watford), Leon Balogun (Rangers), Ola Aina (Torino), Saidu Sanusu (FC Porto), Simon Moses (Nante), Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester), Joel Aribo (Ranger), Victor Osimhen (Napoli) and Innocent Bonke (Lorient).
Francis Uzoho replaced injured Maduka Okoye in the goal post and he was brilliant with no disappointment, Bonke Innocent came in for the injured Leicester City talisman Wilfred Ndidi and Balogun Leon returned to pair with Troost Ekong.
Match Analysis:
21′ Victor Osimhen missed a chance he was unable to hold onto from Zaidu Sanusi’s brilliant cross.
32′ Francis Ozoho made a brilliant save in what seems to be the best chance of the game from Abdul Fatawu’s long-range shot.
30′ Osimhen was tackled by Baba Iddrisu Mallorca Midfielder. The medical team intervenes and Victor returns to play.
36′ Nigeria’s first corner came from Osimhen’s attempt.
40′ Joel Aribo missed a chance from a clear spot.
Half time: The game ended after added minutes of two to forty-five plays. Ghana controlled more of the possession of 58% and Nigeria 42%. Ghana made 4 goal attempts while Nigeria made one. Francis Uzoho has made two saves while Ghana’s goalkeeper has not saved any.
55′ Simon Moses had an opportunity to set the Super Eagles ahead but his effort was denied by Ghana shot-stopper.
57′ Dennis Emmanuel replaced Samuel Chukwueze while Frank Onyeka Came in for Joel Aribo.
59′ Innocent Bonke was stretched out from a suspected injury. Replaced by Peter Etebo.
70′ Francis Uzoho denied another strike from Ghana.
73′ Ademola Lookman made his debut replacing Simon Moses and Calvey Bassey replaced Saidu Sanusi.
75′ Nigeria had a penalty overturned from Odoi Dennis handball in the spot region.
The game ended goalless at the Baba Yara Stadium Ghana. A second tie is expected to play at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja next week.
