Ghana vs Nigeria: Chukwu, Chukwueze optimistic 

Nigeria football legend Christian Chukwu has given his verdict on Nigeria’s 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff against the Black Stars of Ghana.

Chukwu said he is optimistic about the Super Eagles qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup after their playoff fixture with the Black Stars of Ghana, adding that he has already started praying for the game.

According to Sports Day said he is “highly hopeful” of victory for the Super Eagles at the end of the two-leg encounter.

“I am optimistic of the national team’s victory. I am already praying and mobilizing local support for their victory,” Chukwu said.

“I am of the belief that those around for the game will deliver for Nigeria.

“But in a situation where some invited players do not make it, we must know that this is a sign that there is the need to groom and get home-based Super Eagles players ready to replace anybody in the squad.”

Chukwu, who captained the team when it was the Green Eagles, said such a situation was an indication that the Super Eagles’ handlers should never neglect the home-based players.

“There should be a development plan, as they (home-based players) may be so useful in times like these,” he said.

Chukwu, however, challenged the team’s coaching crew to deploy a superior technical and tactical pattern of play as the Black Stars would definitely try to pull some surprises against the Super Eagles.

He also said he was sure Nigerians would rise in full support of the team, as “they have been supporting the Super Eagles all along and they will do the same this time.

Also Nigerian winger, Samuel Chukwueze, has told the Black Stars of Ghana that it is every Nigerian’s dream for the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Chukweze said the Super Eagles of Nigeria would aim to bounce back from their 2021 AFCON disappointment by beating Ghana to qualify for the World Cup.

Speaking to reporters at the end of training on Tuesday evening, Chukwueze, who currently plays his club football at Villarreal, said: “To me bounce back is to win the games against Ghana and to qualify for the 2022 World Cup because it’s every Nigerian dream to see their country participate in the World Cup.

“The only bounce back we need is to win and make our country proud.”