World Cup 2022 Play-off: Nigeria will not find it easy against the Black Stars– Okocha
Nigeria takes on Ghana in a two-legged match in March to get the world cup ticket. The former Bolton Wanderers captain charged the Super Eagles to get the ticket even though it will be a tough match.
Nigeria resume international duties against Ghana on March 23 at Cape Coast stadium, Ghana for the first leg of the World cup play-off, after finishing in the round of 16 at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. The MKO Abiola stadium in Abuja, Nigeria will host the return leg on March 27.
Ghana was among the countries Nigeria defeated to qualify for the 2002 Korea/Japan world cup. Nigeria defeated Ghana 3-0 on aggregate. Okocha was part of the team that thrashed Ghana in July 29 2001 for the 2002 world cup qualifying match.
However, the former Super Eagles captain feels this game will not be easy for Augustine Eguavoen’s team.
He said that the most important thing about this play-off is getting the world cup ticket, beautiful football or not- it does not matter.
“Ghana versus Nigeria match is never an easy one. It is more about the rivalry, it is a pride match and a bragging right one,” Okocha was quoted on Thisdaylive website.
“For me, what is most important is to get the ticket. It doesn’t matter how, even if we don’t play beautiful football.
“What is important is getting the ticket to the World Cup in Qatar. It is the result that matters.”
In addition, the 48-year old believes the Super Eagles cannot be judged by their performance at the Africa Cup of Nations when they crashed out of the tournament in the round of 16 after losing to the Carthage Eagles 1-0.
“I expect the team to learn from their outing in Cameroon and hopefully use the World Cup play-offs with Ghana to correct those mistakes.
“We have a very good team. We just don’t have to judge Super Eagles with the Tunisian match at the last Afcon in Cameroon.
“We have to review all the matches they played and take the positive and correct the negatives if there were any.
“The signs are there that we have the team to take us to where we want to be in global football.”
Jay jay Okocha, 48, managed 73 international appearances for the Super Eagles with 14 goals to his credit.
