Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has claimed that both Nigeria and Ghana are under pressure to secure qualification for the 2022 World Cup after failing to impress at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite impressing in the group stage, Nigeria did not win the tournament in Cameroon, while Ghana was eliminated in the first round.
Almost two months after the Afcon, Nigeria and Ghana square off for a place in the World Cup finals.
The first leg meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 25 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
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“We know Ghana is a good team, we know the rivalry between the two countries, we have been working hard and looking forward to the game,” Ighalo stated.
“There is pressure on Ghanaians the same way there is pressure on us. We have to qualify for the world cup, we have to be there. With what happened at the AFCON there is a little bit of pressure on the team but we know we are capable of doing it.”
The return leg will take place at Abuja’s Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The winner of the tie will represent Africa alongside four other African countries in Qatar.
Ghana have the upper hand here, with 21 wins to Nigeria’s 10. In fact, the Super Eagles have not beaten the Black Stars since 2006.
The Black Stars have won three of the last four games between the two sides, with the other game ending in a draw.
