Former Nigeria star Yakubu Aiyegbeni has claimed it is no big deal if Ghana does not qualify for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.
The Black Stars will face off with the Super Eagles on March 25 at the Baba Sports Stadium in the first leg of the African qualifiers playoffs before settling the tie four days later in Abuja.
A lot of pundits are tipping Nigeria to triumph over Ghana in the two games because of their fine group stage display in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
Previewing the two games, the 57-capped Super Eagles striker has relayed the emotions of the millions of Nigerians going to watch the games.
“I am not going to use a word like disaster, no. No one will feel good, we are going to feel bad and upset. We are not going to be happy not going to the World Cup, it’s not just [because we’re] playing Ghana,” he told Joy FM.
“Most of the boys in the Nigerian team, maybe this is their last chance to play at the World Cup, it may never come. So they have to go there and give their best.
“We don’t want to feel bad not going to the World Cup. We are thinking we’re going to be in Qatar already.
“I know how Ghanaians will feel too — they want to be at the World Cup. We as Nigeria our dream is to go there, our dream is to support the team.
“Imagine Nigeria not qualifying for the World Cup. If Ghana does not qualify for the World Cup, it is not a big deal, but Nigeria not qualifying for the World Cup is a big deal.”
Nigeria announced their squad for the games at the start of March, but Ghana’s squad is still unknown with players set to arrive in Ghana on Monday.
Source: Sportyafrica.com