‘Go full blast against Black Stars’: Taye Taiwo tasks Eagles
Taiwo said he has not forgotten the goal he scored against Ghana at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt
By
Akinyemi Fagbolagun
As the Super Eagles intensify preparations for the win or burst two-legged Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs against eternal rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana, ex-international, Taye Taiwo has warned the Augustine Eguavoen -tutored side to be ready for the games of their lives.
The Palm Beach Florida wing-back told 234sportsng.com exclusively that the Black Stars are always very difficult opponents for the Super Eagles and these World Cup playoffs will not be an exception.
"Nigeria and Ghana are football rivals. They never want to lose against Nigeria and we want to beat every time we play. That's why any game between the countries are always explosive."
Taiwo continues: "they know us and we know them. We speak the same language and we are neighbours, so the rivalry is understandable."
But the former Olympics Marseille of France defence trojan has no iota of doubt that the current Super Eagles have enough qualities to dim the Black Star.
He however warned that the Black Stars performance at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon should not be used to rate the team.
"That's in the past and not important now. We must not make that mistake. Our players must be ready to give more than a hundred per cent to overcome Ghana."
"The players must be focused and be ready to run for ninety minutes and more. They must take the game to them, because we cannot afford to sit back."
Speaking specifically to the defenders, the former AC Milan star charged the William Troost Ekong - led troop not to give any space to the Ghanaians.
"Our job as defenders is to stop the opponents from scoring. We must do a clean job, play as a team, talk to each other and help each other. When a player overlaps, his colleagues must cover the space to stop the opponents from taking advantage. The attackers must also step back to help the defence when and if the needs arise.
Taiwo said he has not forgotten the goal he scored against Ghana at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
"Absolutely, I remember the game. It was a good performance from the whole team, the guys were fantastic. It was a great experience for us. There were a lot of young players like myself, Mikel Obi, Obafemi Martins and Obinna Nsofor. I must give a shout out to coach Austin Eguavoen for giving us the opportunity to play with the big names."
Taiwo said he is excitedly looking forward to storming Qatar for the World Cup. "I want to buy my ticket and be there to watch the Super Eagles at the World Cup."
