Nigeria vs Ghana betting tips: African World Cup play-off second leg preview, predictions and odds
Wriedt, Kwasi Okyere
Sadiq, Umar
Musa, Ahmed
Ighalo, Odion
Bukari, Osman
Simon, Moses
Shehu, Abdullahi
Yiadom, Andy
Kyereh, Daniel-Kofi
Owusu, Elisha
Recommended bets
First leg score: Ghana 0-0 Nigeria.
Under 2.5 goals and both teams to score NO is 8/13.
Nigeria to win and both teams to score NO is 15/8.
Nigeria to win and under 2.5 goals is 12/5.
Match preview
Thomas Partey of Ghana during Gabon against Ghana, African Cup of Nations, at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on January 14, 2022. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
There was nothing to separate these two fierce rivals in Kumasi, but there must be a winner as they meet again in Abuja.
In Friday’s first leg, Ghana dominated the early exchanges with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku forcing Francis Uzoho into a decent stop.
After the break, Mohammed Kudus’s solo run resulted in him having a shot, but he too couldn’t find the opener.
All in all, it was a game of few chances and one that didn’t produce any goals.
Given that they now host the first leg, it should be advantage Nigeria but, with the away goals rule in play, don’t count out Ghana just yet.
Nigeria made their World Cup debut at USA ’94 and have only failed to qualify for one tournament since then, missing out on Germany 2006.
The Super Eagles are actually winless in two home games, losing 1-0 to Central African Republic before a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde.
But, prior the former, they hadn’t lost a home World Cup qualifier since 1981 and certainly don’t want another here.
Ghana meanwhile qualified for three successive World Cups between 2006 and 2014 before that streak was ended by Egypt en route to Russia.
The Black Stars were shambolic at January’s Africa Cup of Nations, winning none of their games so going out in the group stages.
This promoted a change of management with interim coach Otto Addo now looking to take his country to the World Cup in his first act in charge.
It’s fair to say these West African rivals do not like each other so, roared on by a huge crowd, will Nigeria make home advantage count at Moshood Abiola National Stadium?
Nigeria team news
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 22: Ahmed Musa of Nigeria celebrates with teammate Kelechi Ịheanachọ after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Iceland at Volgograd Arena on June 22, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
In the first leg, Kelechi Ịheanachọ got the nod up front alongside Victor Osimhen after the Napoli striker missed AFCON with a broken cheekbone.
They were flanked by Moses Simon and Samu Chukwueze, but Nigeria boast an array of attacking options in reserve.
Ademola Lookman, who made his international debut off the bench in Ghana, Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis will be in reserve.
Further back, Bonke Innocent and Joe Aribo were chosen as the midfield duo, over Frank Onyeka.
These two did a good job deputising for Wilfred Ndidi who’ll miss this tie injured and that’s a serious blow.
Captain William Troost-Ekong will win his 60th cap at centre-back, while Rangers’ Calvin Bassey won his very first on Friday.
Ghana team news
(Top L to R) Ghana pose for a group picture during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Round of 16 football match between Ghana and Tunisia at the Ismailia Stadium in the Egyptian city on July 8, 2019. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)
As for the visitors, André Ayew, who has 103 international caps to his name, is available again after suspension.
He could join an attack featuring brother Jordan and Felix Afena-Gyan with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku missing out.
Thomas Partey will continue to anchor the midfield with Daniel Amartey partnered by Alexander Djiku at centre-back.
Denis Odoi, who made his Ghana debut a decade after his one and only Belgium cap, will keep his place at right-back.
Swindon Town’s Joe Wollacott is the first-choice goalkeeper having started all seven competitive games since his debut back in October.
w
Sao Tome and Principe vs Nigeria - 0:10
w
Nigeria vs Sierra Leone - 2:1
l
Ecuador vs Nigeria - 1:0
l
Mexico vs Nigeria - 2:1
d
Nigeria vs Ghana - 1:1
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Latest match form, last 5 games: |
w
Ghana vs Chile - 0:0
l
Japan vs Ghana - 4:1
d
Central African Republic vs Ghana - 1:1
w
Ghana vs Madagascar - 3:0
d
Nigeria vs Ghana - 1:1
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June 13, 2022 | Africa Cup of Nations, Qualification 2023 | Sao Tome and Principe | 0 - 10 | Nigeria |
June 9, 2022 | Africa Cup of Nations, Qualification 2023 | Nigeria | 2 - 1 | Sierra Leone |
June 3, 2022 | Int. Friendly Games 2022 | Ecuador | 1 - 0 | Nigeria |
May 29, 2022 | Int. Friendly Games 2022 | Mexico | 2 - 1 | Nigeria |
March 29, 2022 | WC Qualification, CAF 2022 | Nigeria | 1 - 1 | Ghana |
June 14, 2022 | Int. Friendly Games 2022 | Ghana | 0 - 0 | Chile |
June 10, 2022 | Int. Friendly Games 2022 | Japan | 4 - 1 | Ghana |
June 5, 2022 | Africa Cup of Nations, Qualification 2023 | Central African Republic | 1 - 1 | Ghana |
June 1, 2022 | Africa Cup of Nations, Qualification 2023 | Ghana | 3 - 0 | Madagascar |
March 29, 2022 | WC Qualification, CAF 2022 | Nigeria | 1 - 1 | Ghana |
Nigeria | Ghana | |
---|---|---|
8 | Matches played | 8 |
4 | Matches won | 4 |
38 | Goal attempts | 33 |
17 | Shots on goal | 10 |
14 | Shots off goal | 15 |
54 | Corner kicks | 28 |
27% | Average ball possession | 29% |
7 | Shots blocked | 8 |
7 | Cards given | 12 |
72 | Free kicks | 67 |
11 | Offsides | 7 |
9 | Goals by foot | 7 |
10 | Goals scored | 8 |
4 | Goals conceded | 4 |
0 | Shots on post | 1 |
0 | Goals by head | 1 |
Nigeria | Ghana | |
---|---|---|
7 | Matches | 7 |
2 | Home Matches | 5 |
5 | Away Matches | 2 |
4 | Total Goals | 8 |
0.57 | Average Goals Scored | 1.14 |
1 | Wins | 2 |
2 | Losses | 1 |
4 | Draws | 4 |
March 29, 2022 | WC Qualification, CAF 2022 | Nigeria | 1 - 1 | Ghana |
March 25, 2022 | WC Qualification, CAF 2022 | Ghana | 0 - 0 | Nigeria |
January 29, 2014 | African Nations Championship 2014 | Ghana | 0 - 0 | Nigeria |
October 11, 2011 | Int. Friendly Games 2011 | Ghana | 0 - 0 | Nigeria |
January 28, 2010 | Africa Cup of Nations 2010 | Ghana | 1 - 0 | Nigeria |
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What time is kick off between Nigeria vs Ghana?
17:00, Tuesday 29 March 2022