Former Asante Kotoko chairman Herbert Mensah has explained why he feels the Black Stars of Ghana have what it takes to beat Nigeria and secure qualification for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The West African rivals will face off in the final qualifying round in late March with the winner progressing to the World Cup slated for November this year.
Herbert Mensah, former Asante Kotoko chairman
The Eagles are slight favourites going into the tie following a better AFCON 2021 outing compared to the Black Stars who crashed out in the group stage.
Also Read: Eguavoen Defends Okoye, Iwobi; Frowns At Fans’ Abuse
However, Mensah, who led Asante Kotoko for four years and now heads Ghana Rugby, is optimistic the Black Stars will overcome the Eagles.
“We need to look and build, say this was a disaster, we have Nigeria next, and we have a country that traditionally we beat or we frustrate. Do we have what it takes to beat Nigeria? I think we do.”
Ghana will host Nigeria for the first leg before travelling to Abuja for the reverse fixture.
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COMMENTS
So much disrespect from the prideful Ghanians as usual. March is not far away. They will shut up soon enough.
Last I checked Hudson Odoi is a bench warmer in Chelsea. Chill, preparations are being done underground.
@Stephan yes a real Bench Warmer.. Lol and you are the people clamouring for players in SE. People who are not even up to speed will ball. May God Help this Country. CHAI!!! NA WA O
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toqtK3Gr3qQ
@Stephan Huddson Adoi is number 20 in the above Highlight reel in case you are as confused as your Above statement.
@Ugo, See panic again because of one person’s rant. God help us.
This is just a mind game. Deep down in his mind, he knows Nigeria won’t be an easy meat for any team in Africa , be it Ghana or Congo. I will definitely blame Eguaveon for making this people believe again. That mistake against Tunisia costs us a whole lot , I must say. But Ghana isn’t better. We can beat them home and away if this coach and his team get their tactics right. I strongly beliwve we will beat them .
Ghana often plans well. Nigeria is the opposite. They have secured Hudson-Odoi and are about to appoint Chris Hughton as their new coach. Nigeria has done nothing yet apart from death threats handed to Iwobi and Okoye. Ghana is likely to qualify ahead of Nigeria, and then maybe more death threats mwill be made.
Hi when did they secure Hudson odoi?do u know how long it will take for him to switch ?
In football nothing is guaranteed ooh, as Nigerians we suppose don learn out lesson and stop claiming victory before the match is played e.g Central African Republic, does that ring a bell???? and secondly a COVID ravaged Tunisia squad also ring a bell??? and the list goes on. Players and officials should quietly prepare for the tough match ahead, no more promises of victory!!!! Just deliver. Shikena!!!
Why do you people like to lie to create hysteria.. Odoi has not switched and if he decides his switch cannot be done before March and besides is Odoi the only one that will play like 11 men…..This is a different type of game. Its 11 vs 11 u gotta be dumb not to realize that Eguavoen is going to handle that match. The only thing is to learn from his mistakes and choose the best legs..
Even if he switches b4 March, he is not eligible to play against Nigeria. I pray Ghana fields him let’s get free 3pts. Ghana can only apply for his switch in November and hope he gets through b4 the WC. That’s bcos he last played for England in Nov 2019 and needs 3yrs b4 he can file to switch.
Nigeria game against Ghana is 50/50 anybody that feels Nigeria has a better chance to defeat Ghana is disillusioned. Ghana is embarrassed with the way they were humiliated at the Nations Cup and sees Nigeria match as a match that will redeem their ego and image they will split blood come March. Besides home and away games is different from tournament game Ghana might be poor at the tournament but perform better at home/ away matches. I would advise Nigeria to be not boastful and plan very well . I pray the politics of CAF will favour us because CAF president is from South Africa if am right and considering the way Ghana beat South Africa to reach this final nemesis should catch up on them.
Thank God Etebo I learnt has been invited while Denis was dropped. Etebo is V8 turbo engine and when combine with Ndidi while Aribo is allowed free hand offensively Ghana will find it hard to beat us. That Aribo is a classy player and very intelligent but he doesn’t have the capacity to function as holding midfielder and also attacking midfielder the guy gassed out too often . If he is allowed to play 10 and not given responsibility to track back as such he would wreck havoc to Ghana.
You said it all but I will like the recall of Dennis and Kalu if he catches form on time at Watford, and in defense the coach has to start building a new World Class defence comprising of Bassey and Anthony Izuchukwu. I just need these two newbies to be tested in a friendly for the Coach to have an insight about them. In Goal I need Uzoho for Christsake.
Whoever will be the new coach of Ghana is going to be very technical be it Chris of Brighton or Otoo from Dortmund. NFF must work hard for us to win by using our best players and handlers else we will be shocked.
Mr. Herbert Menseh why does you be sure Ghana will beat Super Eagles; with any causes you depend on, Ghana and Nigeria are 50/50 on thier result ,but I think Nigeria is better than Ghana, why? Nigeria team have quality and strong finshers like Osimhen,Ighalo,Simon Moses,Chukwueze,Iheancho,Amoo,Fennis; but Ghana haven’t quality finishers like Nigeria, Ghanian forwards lost many chances on thier matches on this Afcon. in Cameroon, Ghana depend on Pele boys, but thier form is not okay, but Ghana have strong midfield and defence, Nigeria lack best defensive strength like Ghana , but with hiring Amuniki as Super Eagles assitant coach he will change defensive mentality of SE, Ghana also can change forward mentality to better than on Afcon. in Cameroon.So I think SE team will draw or beat Ghana in Accra with thier strong quality of forwards they have as I mentioned above; Eguavoen will recall Osimhen, Ighalo,Amoo,and other to support SE forward.
He has the right to brag, you have no idea the reformation that is taking place ahead of this match against Nigeria. With the addition of Tariq Lamptey of Brighton, Kudus Mohammed, Yaw Yeboah to Thomas Partey, Andre Ayew, Kalmadeen and many more if you go and do your research on this players plus the new technical bench of either or both Chris Hughton and Otoo Addo you’ll know that only ignorance will make you doubt the threat Ghana pose, and these guys Hate Nigerians and Blame Nigeria for everything. I pray our football administration do their researches and apply extra efforts to make us grind the needed results from the two legs.
@Chima Nwanne you are really wasting your breath Nigerians and thier NFF are only fooling themsleves watch and see come List announcement if you don’t see Ahmed Musa as Captain and the likes of Sadiq Umar and Co there call me a liar.. an Arrogant NFF official already came out to say Emma Dennis Will not Put on an SE shirt again. These people are dragging our ball to doldrums of despair, it is sad. Maybe when we lose out on World Cup the much needed reform will start. As it stands Ghana is already booking that ticket judging by what I am seeing coming out of Ghana camp. Wettin man go do? na to sidon dey Shine eye wella. Because clearly talking is no good.
I said it in November last year. Come World Cup Nigeria will push operation self destruct. Well it is happening may the best and best prepared team win. I weep for this country called Nigeria.
Brothers don’t let Ghanaians statement disturb you, Ghanaians like past glory, what they always say is that they are Ghana, in football they are better other teams in Africa but they failed to win cup for the pass 40 years.
https://theeagleonline.com.ng/world-cup-play-off-ghana-will-defeat-nigeria-if-musa-plays-primate-ayodele/
When I talk dem no go listen. Let them keep hanging a mediocre Captain over Our heads and, claiming Giant of Africa.
For How long will this amateur Finished player be leading a country?????. Get the right players in I.e. Emma Dennis, Victor Moses, Ade Lookman Calvin Bassey, Peter Etebo and co to fit in with the quality already there. and Drop Musa. Musa dropping is imperative for Nigeria’s To break this Hold of bad luck. AHMED MUSA NEEDS TO BE DROPPED!!!!!.
You can’t be lead by Mediocre and expect to be great MBANU!!! ARU!!!
“I’m waiting to play for Nigeria, not Belgium” – Cyriel Dessers deny Red Devils link”.
Super Eagles target, Cyriel Dessers has refuted reports suggesting he could consider turning his back on Nigeria should he get a call–up from Belgium manager, Roberto Martinez ahead of a possible return to international football next month.
Reports in some sections of the media stated that the 25-year-old may reconsider his decision to play for Nigeria but Dessers told AOIFootball.com exclusively from his base, that such stories are unfounded lies to attract website traffic.
“They made a story from nothing. I didn’t even talk with Belgium and then they make a story.
I said I hoped for a call (from Nigeria) in September, but that’s not even sure. That’s the coach who decides, It’s not in my hands.
“It’s just the clickbait sites who take things out of context and make juicy titles,” Dessers explained.
The former Heracles Almelo striker further stated that the suggestion to play forBelgium was made by Luc Nilis a former Belgian player who suggested him to the coach but he remains committed to making his debut for Nigeria when international matches resume.
Dessers Reveals Belgium’s Disappointment After Deciding To Play For Nigeria
Following his first call-up to the Super Eagles, Cyriel Dessers has revealed Belgians are disappointed with his decision to play for Nigeria.
Dessers was born in Leuven, Belgium, but he is eligible to play for Nigeria through his mother. It was an option he took, and he has been named in Super Eagles squad for the clash against Sierra Leone.
With Belgium parading the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens, Eden Hazard in the attack, it would have been difficult for Dessers to break into the squad.
The former Utrecht striker revealed in the past that he decided to play for Nigeria because of the options Belgium have in their strikeforce.
However, while most of the reactions to his first international call-up have been positive, Dessers revealed some Belgians are disappointed he won’t get the chance to play for the Red Devils.
I have had more reactions from the Belgian angle. That it is a pity that I will not come to Belgium, but I was not concerned with the Red Devils, ” Dessers told Tubantia.nl
Nevertheless, Dessers can’t wait to visit Nigeria, and he revealed he would be getting Yoruba lessons from his Uncle that stays in Lagos.
“I am certainly going to do that. English is the official language, also in the team,”
I have had more reactions from the Belgian angle. That it is a pity that I will not come to Belgium, but I was not concerned with the Red Devils, ” Dessers told Tubantia.nl
Nevertheless, Dessers can’t wait to visit Nigeria, and he revealed he would be getting Yoruba lessons from his Uncle that stays in Lagos.
I am certainly going to do that. English is the official language, also in the team,”
What else do NFF and coach Eguavoen wants from Dessers?
We need our best players against Ghana. Osimhen and Dessers are the main strikers we have in the Super Eagles presently. Dessers scored 4 goals in a single match last week.
Coach Eguavoen should not manipulate things this time around, Nigerians won’t take it easy with him.
Over to you CSN. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
Hudson Odoi, Hodson Odio, Hodson Odio… Haba! Na so that average or even below average player name dey strike fear for una heart ni?
Party never start una don dey carry chair(Dennis). I thought you guys gat world class players like Dennis, Dessers, to invite for the W/C qualifiers LMFAO!!!!!!
@MONKEY BRAIN you are as dumb as your name. Yes we have world Class players. What good is world class players if your Mumu glass house will only invite yeye below average players SMH!!!! and Leave the top players out??.
That is my point with Nigeria 2MONKEY POST has proved it. You no dey reason well. Was is not your Mumu coach Rohr even After all our clamoring for Emmanuel Dennis eventually submitted a list exluding Dennis frm the list causeing watford to have grounds to deny Dennis coming to AFCON? but could not do the same with SARR of Senegal? who scored Senegal 3rd goal against Gambia was it not SARR?.. My friend you are a big FOOOL!!!!!!!!!. You just need to Shurrit when people wey sabi are talking because you lack knowledge on any matter. All the Goals and Assist VM was giving to propel SPartak Moscow to top the Group in Uefa Europa League. did you see VM in AFCON ANUMANU??… What of Ademola Lookam are we not still waiting for the switch while yes Ghana will secure Huddoson Odoi before March. @MONKEY POST you have yet again proved that you are just a cruise catcher in matters of seriousness FOOL!!!!!!!!
Just as he excluded Ighalo name that his club also refused to release him on account of late call up. Sense should tell you Dennis did not want to play that was why he couldn’t fight unlike SAR that despite his injury he has to fought and fought till he was released. Report also has it that he has to be flown to Germany from Senegal camp to see specialist on that injury courtesy of Watford team doctor. Just sit there and be wailing because it was Rohr fault that your team crashed out in second round ode. All your ranting is because Dennis and Victor Moses will not be invited for Ghana match, so you have stopped talking about your Awoniyi and Sadiq?
@tayo Yenye yenye yenye yenye. See your mouth like reason.. pesin wey no get sense…if you cant reason go to school mumu. Sarr and Senegal had grounds to stand on because Senegal is not corrupt. Their first list had Sarr on it unlike, Nigeria who did not initially as the then coach Rohr omitted him it was well documented so based on that Senegal had grounds to demand Sarr were as Nigeria didn’t. Senegal are in Semi Finals Nigeria is at home where they belong keep fooling yourself. I explain something in bold yet you can’t comprehend go back to school anumanu
Which kind senseless comment is this, keep blaming your uncle that didn’t pay your school fees for the reason you are like this in life. Even if those players you mentioned are not available, we still have enough players to take us far in the competition. Bukina Faso do not have half of the talents we have, in that team, cameroon players are not better than our players individually, before you open your mouth that they have abuabakar, remember your whatsapp group people were saying a player playing in belgium is better than a player playing in saudi or whatever. I think one of you were saying good coach doesn’t have regard for any player. You dreamers what spetial thing are you still expecting from a team and organization that needs deliverance. Come match anybody can win, Nigeria don’t have any pedigree to say they will win any match.
@tayo pull up any thread that had me clamour for Sadiq.. Awoniyi yes but Sadiq did not come out frm my mouth. I clamored for Victor Moses, Ademola Lookman, Emma Dennis, Calvin Bassey and Taiwo Awoniyi no where did I clamour for Sadiq ALAYE!!!you bloody liar.. and also pushed for Michael Olisa. Sadiq no way my man you are a liar
LMFAO! @Ugu Iwunze If you know football as you claim, then you will know that “bench warmer” Hodson Odoi is no match with Awoniyi. Not to even mention those brilliant strikers already at your disposal for call ups. So why the the trembling???
I ask a simple question and you are calling me cruise catcher and names. Its ok.
@Ugo Iwunze if I give you Bible can you swear that GENERAL ROHR excluded Dennis’s name in his final list before he was sacked??? Stop lying please!
Hope NFF will hasten Ademola Lookman’s switch to play for the super eagles before March 23rd play off with Ghana. More choices on the left wing with both Simon and Lookman and Chukwueze/Amao on the right feeding Osimhen at the center, Ghana is in trouble!
Who be this Ugo crying everywhere over Odoi? If you’ve got problems with your life then just go deal with it. The current Ghana team is no match to the current super eagles. Btw, with or without your Dennis or Lukman. Nonsense, Una go just come here start unnecessary fear over nothing.
@Ola Confused Man. who you be sef?!.. from Your comment “The current Ghana team is no match to the current super eagles”. I know you started watching Ball yesterday.. Odoi Huddson is better than all the wingers we took to Afcon except Chukwueze.. Let me tell you that my man. Moses Simon proved he got burnt out and is more a impact player because when the going got tough he couldn’t come big. Chukwueze came back from injury this year and is working his way back to 100% fitness when he is fit. No winger at AFCON Matches him not even Moses Simon..
Be Careful what you wish for @Ola because you clearly know nothing about Ball. Nigeria needs Ademola Lookman, Victor Moses and Emmanuel Dennis to join Chukwueze, Simon and Ejuke. these are our strongest wingers in World Football Right now. and if Samuel Kalu comes good in the second half of the season then we take him too and maybe Ejuke may need to drop.
@Ola again stop this rubbish you people did this before AFCON. I clearly know more than you when it comes to our players, you no fit even spell Lookman name wettin you sabe??.
*Sabi*
Come who d mention chukwueze here….come that guy be short one, period!! Only one pattern of dribble, football don pass that kind secondary school patern jor. That guy don finish jor