World Cup 2022: Super Eagles Look to Soar at Home

Nigeria vs Ghana

It’s still all to play for in Abuja as Nigeria and Ghana gear up for the second leg of their World Cup 2022 play-off.

The Black Stars were able to keep the Super Eagles grounded in the first leg, giving themselves a decent chance to go through.

But the World Cup 2022 betting odds still back the Nigerians to get the win they need at home to book their ticket to Qatar.

Talking Points

Super Eagles suddenly short on goals

Nigeria need to regroup following their disappointing display in the first leg against Ghana. Despite their superior firepower, the Super Eagles struggled offensively. They were outshot 10-7 and had just two shots on target.

It’s the second time in as many games that the Super Eagles have been held scoreless. They were also topped 1-0 by Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 in January.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen started Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as the lead striker with Kelechi Iheanacho playing in behind. It remains to be seen whether he will make any changes to his starting line-up after their blunt display in Ghana.

Eguavoen will certainly have a fair amount of attacking options to choose from, with Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis, Ademola Lookman, Ahmed Musa, and Odion Ighalo (16 goals in 36 caps) in reserve.

Meanwhile, midfielder Innocent Bonke could continue to start in midfield alongside Joe Aribo with Leicester City’s Wilfried Ndidi likely done for the season with a knee injury.

But the Super Eagles cannot afford a conservative playing style at home as they need to win in order to go through.

Nigeria have quite a spotty home record of late, with just two wins and two draws from their last five games.

Black Stars still alive

Ghana are still very much in their play-off tie against Nigeria after holding Nigeria to a goalless draw at home. Not only that, but they outshot the Super Eagles despite less than stellar personnel.

However, the fact remains the Ghanaians are now winless in their last five games. That includes three defeats, two of which coming in their disastrous Africa Cup of Nations campaign where they went out in the group stage.

Coach Otto Addo made a surprise move to give Roma teenager Felix Afena-Gyan a start in his first-ever cap in the first leg. However, it was another teenager in Abdul Fatawu Issahaku who produced the most World Cup 2022 highlights with three shots, including one on target.

While the Black Stars don’t have much in the way of established attacking stars – Jordan Ayew is the leading scorer with 18 goals in 77 caps – they are making up for it with hard work and youthful exuberance.

Thomas Partey of high-flying Arsenal put in a fine performance as he helped keep the Super Eagles at bay while adding three shots as well. Partey will once again play a crucial role in keeping the relatively inexperienced Black Stars organised in the big game away from home.

History

Ghana’s draw against Nigeria was the second goalless stalemate between the two rivals in as many games.

All in all, the Black Stars have now gone unbeaten in their last five fixtures against the Super Eagles. Although, none of those five matches has been in Nigeria.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Nigeria installed as 2.19 favourites to win in 90 minutes against Ghana, who are priced at 3.30. Meanwhile a draw is at 2.76.

Despite a somewhat disappointing draw in the first leg, Nigeria are still in decent shape to go through as they will have home advantage in the second leg. And their favourable odds make them a much more palatable pick.

Osimhen and the Super Eagles misfired in the first leg, but with the attacking talent they have within their squad, you’d still fancy them to find a way past Thomas Partey and the plucky Black Stars’ defence.

 

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