World Cup Playoff: John Paintsil praises Nigeria after gritty stalemate with Ghana in Kumasi

Former Ghana international John Paintsil has praised the Super Eagles for coping well under massive pressure at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The Eagles held their host Black Stars to a goalless draw in Friday’s 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff first leg tie.

Despite playing in front of a vociferous home fans, the Eagles held their own and were unlucky not to even go ahead to win the game after missing some good chances.

“Nigeria have done well in terms of coping with the pressure and they really did play, their calmness was very good,” Paintsil said on Super Sports.

“When you play away especially against Ghana you are expected to play long balls but when the Eagles get the ball they always try to build from the back.

And reacting to the outcome of the game, Paintsil, a member of the Black Stars squad to the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, praised the Austine Eguavoen-led side for putting up a commendable display.

“They took the game to Ghana and I must say credit to the Nigerians.”

Both teams will meet again on Tuesday for the second leg inside the Moshood Abiola stadium in Abuja.

The winner over two legs will qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.