Former Ghana international Yaw Preko believes the titanic clash between Ghana and Nigeria in the World Cup qualifier is an opportunity for the Black Stars to redeem the trust of Ghanaians.
Many Ghanaians were left disappointed following the current Black Stars’ disastrous performance at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, as they were knocked out in the group stages without winning a single game.
Some squad members, including deputy captain Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, Daniel Amartey, and Kofi Kyereh, turned to social media after returning to their respective club teams to apologize to Ghanaians.
However, Preko has challenged the Stars to beat Nigeria to make a meaningful apology for the unimpressive show in Cameroon.
“Ghana is really disappointed in them so they need to make amends and this is the game to do that. Fortunately, unfortunately it’s going to be against Nigeria. When you’re able to kick Nigeria out, the support will come again and everybody will be on our side.”
According to the former Black Satellites coach, he recognizes the difficulty of the task ahead for a team that cannot afford to miss a second consecutive World Cup, so he has urged the players to have self-belief.
“It’s not going to be easy for the boys. Playing against Nigeria, they can do you or you can do them- it goes both ways. I remember my first game for the Black Stars was against Nigeria way back in 1991 against the likes of Stephen Keshie, Eguavoen and the rest. I took it like ‘this is my first match. Come on, go in and do your thing’”.
The Black Stars will welcome the Super Eagles to the Kumasi Sports Stadium for the first leg encounter on the 25th of March, then a return fixture in Abuja on the 29th.
The winner of the two-leg fixture will qualifier to represent Africa at the World cup to be staged in Qatar this year.