Select players ready to sacrifice their legs against Ghana – Former Nigeria striker tells Augustine Eguavoen ahead of World Cup play-off tie

Former Nigeria striker Jonathan Akpobori has instructed Super Eagles technical interim coach Augustine Eguavoen to select players willing to sacrifice both legs when Nigeria come face to face with Ghana in the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff this month.

Nigeria and Ghana will meet twice in the space of four days with the winner travelling to Qatar for the World Cup later this year.

“The first of the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff against Ghana in Kumasi could determine the fate of both teams in their quest to pick the ticket,” Akpoborie told Completesports.

”I know the players know the importance of the game. However, I will urge Eguavoen to select players that are ready to sacrifice their legs against Ghana.

“The second leg may be a formality for the team if the Super Eagles pick the right result. I am confident the players won’t disappoint.”

Eguavoen had earlier this month announced his squad to face Ghana. Meanwhile, Ghana are yet to release their squad.

Former Nigeria international Godwin Okpara has stated the decision not to release the squad will not offer any advantage to the Black Stars because they won’t unearth any special player that is not known to Nigeria.

Okpara told brila.net that GFA’s strategy to deliberately withhold the list of Black stars players is outdated and not one to really bother Nigerians.

He stressed that the key thing will be for Super Eagles to be mindful of getting themselves together knitted as a team for the tie.

The first leg is scheduled for March 25 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi after the initially designated venue, Cape Coast Stadium was rejected by CAF and FIFA because of the terrible state of the pitch.

The return leg will be played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on March 29.

Source: Futbalgalore.com.ng