Ghana vs Nigeria betting tips: African World Cup play-off first leg preview, predictions and odds

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These two have not met in a competitive fixtures since the AFCON semi-finals in 2010 when Ghana won 1-0. Nigeria have never beaten Ghana in a competitive fixture in Ghana.

Both teams to score NO is 4/7.

Nigeria to win and both teams to score NO is 3/1.

Match preview

West Africa's biggest rivals go head-to-head in a huge game with World Cup qualification on the line.

Nigeria made their World Cup debut at USA '94 and have qualified for five of the subsequent six editions, only missing out on Germany 2006.

So far in this cycle, the Super Eagles have topped Group C with 13 points, above Cape Verde, Central African Republic and Liberia.

This means they've lost just two of their last 42 World Cup qualification matches, looking to continue that form here.

More recently, Augustine Eguavoen's side have headed to the Africa Cup of Nations with high expectations, but left disappointed.

Nigeria won all three group games, against Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau, but peaked too soon as this was followed by a last 16 defeat to Tunisia.

Will the Super Eagles be soaring again as they looked to make it to another World Cup?

Ghana meanwhile are their fierce local rivals and they'd love nothing better than to qualify for the World Cup at Nigeria expense.

However, like their visitors, the Black Stars did not shine bright at the recent AFCON, crashing out in the group phase with just one point.

So, unsurprisingly, Milovan Rajevać was sacked as Head Coach with Otto Addo in charge for this play-off.

Earlier in World Cup qualifying, Ghana topped Group G but only above South Africa goals scored after beating Bafana Bafana 1-0 on the final matchday.

The Black Stars appeared at three consecutive World Cups between 2006 and 2014, getting all the way to the quarter-finals 12 years ago.

Now, which West African powerhouse will claim a first leg lead at Cape Coast Sports Stadium?

Ghana team news

Ghana are without captain and striker André Ayew for this tie; the 32 year old will not be adding to 103 caps this month.

Meanwhile, fellow experienced players Baba Rahman, Jonathan Mensah and Mubarak Wakaso have all also been left out the squad.

Jordan Ayew though has been included which'll be key as he's one of just two players with more than three international goals to his name.

Teenager Felix Afena-Gyan, of AS Roma, could make his international debut in attack.

Arsenal's Thomas Partey, surprisingly, has 12 international goals so far, scoring home and away against Zimbabwe in the previous round.

He will continue as the midfield linchpin of this side.

At the back, former Fulham defender Denis Odoi could make his Ghana debut after switching from Belgium, for whom he won one cap a decade ago.

Swindon Town's Joe Wollacott could continue to get the nod in goal.

Nigeria team news

Nigeria's notable absentee is Alex Iwobi who's been left out the squad, so will not be adding to his 55 caps just yet.

Meanwhile, superstar striker Victor Osimhen is back in the squad having missed AFCON due to a fractured cheekbone.

Ademola Lookman is amongst the other attacking options after switching allegiance from England last month.

In all, Nigeria boast an array of forwards with Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Ịheanachọ, Samu Chukwueze and Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis also in contention.

Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka could anchor midfield with Rangers trio Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo all also likely starters.

Bassey would be making his senior debut while Balogun could partner captain William Troost-Ekong at centre-back.

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