By Simon Asare
Accra, Dec. 20, GNA – Issah Yakubu, Captain of Ghana’s Black Galaxies, says their upcoming 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Nigeria will be a difficult match, but remains hopeful of overcoming their arch-rivals.
Ghana’s home-based national team would face their Nigerian counterpart in the first of the two-legs on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Yabuku, who plays for Basake Holy Stars and would lead the team against Nigeria, is optimistic about getting a positive result on Sunday.
“We are from different clubs, and we have been camping since October. Our coaches have prepared us and we battle-ready and hopefully we are going to qualify.
“We have discussed among ourselves the task ahead, especially when it comes to facing Nigeria, but we are fully prepared.
“It is not going to be easy, but rest assured we are going to deliver on Sunday”, Yakubu said at a pre-match press conference.
Mas-ud Didi Dramini, Head Coach of the side, stated that their intentions of bagging in more goals to make the second leg easier but says it wouldn’t be easy.
“We are goal-orientated as part of our values, and the players we want to create and score many goals and not concede. We have what it takes to get good performance, and hopefully we will get the desired results.
The Black Galaxies have stepped up their preparations towards Sunday’s game with a series of training sessions at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Their Nigerian counterparts are expected to arrive in Ghana later on Friday and hold a training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
Ghana defeated Nigeria to qualify for the last edition of the tournament held in Algeria, and Sunday’s clash would set the tone for the second leg encounter next week.
GNA