Ghana and Nigeria last five meetings as Francis Uzoho brilliant training display could earn him first choice

Ghana and Nigeria will battle for a place in Qatar 2022 with the former hosting their opponents in Friday night football at Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Francis Uzoho’s has been the impressive goal-keeper and could be handed the starting position against Ghana at Baba Yara Stadium.

The two countries are arch-rivals and have played several matches between them over the years. Nigeria have enjoyed some important victories over Ghana with a memorable one coming in 2006 AFCON in Egypt. Thanks to Taye Taiwo who scored the only game from a spot kick that took the who of Ghana’s team by surprise in a quick session.

Since then, it has been a difficult moment for the Super Green Eagles to contain Ghana losing three and a draw in their last five meetings.

Ahead of Friday’s match in Kumasi, please find the record of the last five matches between the two sides. Ghana have managed 3 wins, a draw and a defeat in their last five outings against Nigeria.

Last five matches between Ghana and Nigeria

2011/10/11: Ghana 0-0 Nigeria – International Friendly
2010/01/28: Ghana 1-0 Nigeria – Caf Africa Cup of Nations
2008/02/03: Ghana 2-1 Nigeria – Caf Africa Cup of Nations
2007/02/06: Ghana 4-1 Nigeria – International Club Friendly
2006/01/23: Nigeria 1-0 Ghana – Caf Africa Cup of Nations

The records shows Ghana are dominant and are favourite in tonight’s World Cup game at Kumasi.However, Nigeria could pulled a surprise if the Black Stars underrate Green Eagles.

Nigeria reached round of 16 in the latest Afcon tournament in Cameroon following 1-0 loss to Tunisia while Ghana failed to qualify out of group stages.

Francis Uzoho’s training display gives Nigeria confidence ahead of Ghana clash

Meanwhile, Nigeria seem to have found the right man for their goalkeeping crisis following Francis Uzoho’s brilliant display in training ahead of their blockbuster clash with Ghana in the World Cup playoff.

The Super Eagles’ preparations suffered a major hit when first choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye suffered an illness ruling him out of the double-header.

Coach Augustine Eguaveon was forced to replace him with Enyimba goalkeeper John Noble as he joined Francis Uzoho and Daniel Akpeyi.

All three goalkeepers have struggled for game time at their respective clubs with second choice Francis Uzoho playing all three games in 2022. Akpeyi has not played a game for over a month now and Noble only reclaimed his starting role at Enyimba recently.

However in training Uzoho, who will start against Ghana, showed glimpses of hope.

The Omonia Nicosia shot stopper made incredible save from Odion Ighalo and Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis. He also save a couple of penalties from Ighalo.

Uzoho denied sharp shooter Victor Osimhen, earning praises from the technical bench of Nigeria. The 23-year-old will play a key role if Nigeria is to qualify for the World Cup.

The Super Eagles held their final training at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday night.

Nigeria will face Ghana in the first leg of the World Cup playoff at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The team will leave Kumasi on Saturday via a chattered flight to Abuja where the second leg of the mouthwatering clash will be played.

The Mashood Abiola stadium will host the Black Stars on March 29.

Nigeria are hoping to make it a seventh appearance at the global showpiece while Ghana are chasing a fourth World Cup after missing the 2018 edition in Russia.