Tag: Ghana

World Cup playoff: CAF shifts Super Eagles, Ghana clash

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Monday informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that the Super Eagles will now take on Ghana’s Black Stars on new dates.

Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, disclosed in a statement that the 2022 FIFA World Cup play-off round fixture between Nigeria and Ghana would not hold on the earlier announced dates.

The two matches were earlier scheduled for March 24 and March 27.

“The opening leg of the fixture at the Cape Coast Stadium will now take place on March 25, starting from 7:30 p.m Ghana time, which will be 8:30 p.m in Nigeria.

“The return leg match will now hold at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on March 29, starting from 6 p.m Nigeria time,” Olajire stated.

The winners over the two legs will advance to the 2022 FIFA World Cup billed for Qatar from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18.

February 21, 2022
Ex-Super Eagles skipper, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha warns Nigerian team to be wary of Ghana

Former Super Eagles’ captain, Austin Jay-Jay has warned the Super Eagles that the Black Stars could be a tough nut to crack, in their 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff.

“Ghana versus Nigeria match is never an easy one. It is more about the rivalry, it is a pride match and a bragging one,” Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, who captained Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup finals in Korea/Japan warned the Super Eagles, and pointed out that the Black Stars should not be underrated.

He pointed out that an average Ghanaian squad named the Black Stars could be very dangerous and a hard nut to crack, the moment they are to play against the Super Eagles. “Any other national teams could beat the Black Stars silly, but the moment they are to play with the Super Eagles, their hitherto dead bones will suddenly rise.

“What is important is getting the ticket to the FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar.

“It is the result that matters,” said Okocha.

The two arch rivals would meet over two legs next month with the winner proceeding to Qatar 2022.

The Black Stars will host the Super Eagles in the first-leg clash at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium in Ghana on March 24.

The second-leg encounter is scheduled to be played at the refurbished main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on March 27.

February 19, 2022
King of Boys Filmmaker, Kemi Adetiba announces engagement to Ghanaian music producer

Nigerian filmmaker Kemi Adetiba has taken to her verified Instagram handle to announce her engagement to Ghanaian music producer, Oscar Heman-Ackah.

Sharing her picture with her man, she wrote: “We’ve taken some time to privately enjoy this moment and bask in the celebration of it all. However, we’re beginning to understand it might be next to impossible to keep a lid on this for much longer.

“After thinking long and hard, we ultimately would love for this announcement to be on our own terms and moulded in our own true narrative. Plus, you all here have followed my journey from the start and are lovingly rooted for me – Now if that isn’t family, I don’t know what is.

“So dear family, on the 28th of January in Ghana, delivered as a beautiful surprise and expression of love, and in the presence of some close friends and family, Oscar Hemah-Ackah asked that we spend the rest of our lives together, and I wholeheartedly said yes… without a single reservation.

“I would like to add here, that every single friend or member of my family that conspired in this surprise proposal should just be on the lookout for my retaliation… Cos’ll be merciless!”

“Oscar and I shall share only as much of us as we’re comfortable with. No more.. No less. We hope you will respect this, and bear with us in this regard.

“Thank you for the overwhelming love and kindness you will undoubtedly show us as we count down to more festivities and the rest of our lives together. There’s not an ounce of anxiety in this place.

“Oh… And before you say it… Yeeeeeesss, he knows he’s a very VERY lucky man but the beautiful thing about our connection and journey so far… Is that I know I’m a supremely lucky woman too.

“Please wish us well and keep us in your prayers.

“Here’s to New Beginnings!”

February 10, 2022
BREAKING: NFF confirms date for final leg of Nigeria vs Ghana 2022 World Cup qualifier

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) the date for the final leg of the Nigeria vs Ghana FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifier match.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the NFF confirmed the date on Wednesday in a potentially explosive fixture that will be held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Sunday, 27th March 2022.

However, the Ghana Football Association was yet to confirm whether the first leg inside the Cape Coast Stadium will be on Wednesday, 23rd March or Thursday, 24th March.

The final leg encounter will be the 59th clash at senior level between both West African giants in a chequered 71-year rivalry.

It will also be the first game involving the Super Eagles at the country’s premium sporting arena since the Eagles defeated Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane 3-1 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on 15th October 2014.

Nigeria reached the play-off round after topping a qualifying pool that included Cape Verde, Liberia and the Central African Republic while Ghana emerged from the section that had South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia.

February 9, 2022
World Cup 2022: I won’t go to Qatar if Ghana beat Nigeria – Billionaire, Aliko Dangote vows

Nigerian billionaire, Aliko Dangote, has said he will not visit Qatar to watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup if Nigeria fails to qualify.

Dangote, Africa’s richest men said Nigeria qualifying to the world cup will bring pride to the Nation and not only him.

Speaking on his visit to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, the venue that will host Nigeria’s second leg against Ghana, he highlighted the significance of the Super Eagles qualifying for the World Cup.

“It is not only important to me, but it is also important to all of us here, that is what will make us proud as Nigerians,” he said as quoted by sunnewsonline.com.

He continued by adding that, should Nigeria fail to qualify, he has no business in Qatar.

“If Nigeria does not qualify, I won’t go there,” he added.

The Black Stars are looking to return to the tournament after missing out in the last edition in Russia in 2018.

Nigeria who have played in the last three editions of the World Cup will look to qualify for the fourth consecutive time.

The play-off ties will be played between March 24 and 29, 2022 with exact dates and kick-off times to be confirmed after CAF liaises with the two countries’ associations.

February 6, 2022
BREAKING: CAF approves Abuja stadium for Nigeria vs Ghana 2022 World Cup playoff

The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has approved the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja for the second leg of the 2022 World Cup playoff between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Black Stars of Ghana.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Raul Chipenda, CAF’s Director of Development made this known on Thursday in a letter addressed to Mr. Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The letter titled “FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 African qualifiers Playoff rounds-Nigeria-Venue decision” reads: “Dear General Secretary,

“Reference to participation of the national team of Nigeria in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 African qualifiers playoff rounds which will take place from March 21 to March 29, 2022, following the stadium assessment and inspection process conducted by CAF, kindly find below the decision on the venue selected by your association:

“Venue: Moshood Abiola National Stadium (Abuja); Decision: APPROVED. Please note that the approved stadium will be set as the venue to host the match Nigeria Vs. Ghana related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 African qualifiers playoff round.

“Nonetheless, please find attached in Annex A the inspection comments and remarks to be addressed in the coming period by your association, in order to guarantee that the stadium is maintained in the list of CAF approved stadiums for senior competitions Among other aspects mentioned in the report, the stadium management is requested to ensure that the playing surface area, floodlights and the dressing rooms are brought up to the required level to host this important match

“We appreciate your contribution in helping us raise the level of African football with improved facilities as we continue to gain exposure to a global audience. Please accept, dear General Secretary, the expression of my best regards”.

With the approval, international football returns to Abuja after a hiatus of nearly 10 years.

Confirming CAF’s decision, Toyin Ibitoye, Special Assistant to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, said CAF officials had inspected the pitch few weeks ago.

“The CAF team inspected the Moshood Abiola National stadium, Abuja few weeks back and the good news is that the stadium has been approved by CAF for Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 African qualifiers playoffs game second leg game against Ghana in March,” he said.

Ibitoye said the development was in line with efforts by the minister to return international football to Abuja after the rehabilitation of the 60,000 capacity Moshood Abiola stadium.

“I have been told to give you the good news by the minister that our efforts to return football to Moshood Abiola National stadium Abuja is yielding very positively results, one of which is this approval from CAF,” he added.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will clash with the Black Stars of Ghana in a playoff for one of the five spots to represent Africa at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

According to CAF, Ghana will host the first leg with the return leg in Abuja, both matches will hold from March 24 to March 29.

Earlier, CAF had rejected a request from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to name a new venue for the first leg of the encounter.

The GFA sought to move the first leg of the tie from the Cape Coast Stadium to the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.

The Cape Coast Stadium is billed to host the country’s Independence Day celebration on March 6.

CAF turned down the request, stating that it fell outside the time allowed for such.

“The FIFA World Cup 2022 preliminary competition regulations in its article 21 venues, kick-off times and training sessions stipulate that “The venues of matches shall be set by the host association and/or by the confederation, as applicable, and the matches may only be played in stadiums that have been inspected and approved by the confederation concerned.

“The opponents and the FIFA general secretariat shall be notified by the host association and/or by the confederation, as applicable, at least three months before the match in question is due to be played,” a statement from CAF read.

February 3, 2022
Hudson-Odoi meets with Hughton over Ghana switch

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has held talks with Chris Hughton to discuss his international future.

Hughton is thought to be closing in on becoming the new manager of the Ghanaian national team and has been pictured in discussions with Hudson-Odoi and the player’s father.

According to Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo, of CitiNewsroom, the meeting is believed to be related to the player’s international future, with the 21-year-old eligible to play for Ghana through his parents.

Hudson-Odoi is yet to play for the England senior side, leaving the possibility of a career in an alternative national team open.

The midfielder has also resisted calls to the England U21 squad this season.

February 1, 2022
[Trending video]: Woman gives birth on flight from Ghana to US

In a trending video that has gone viral, a woman was delivered of a baby while on flight from Ghana to the United States.

The video which was shared by Media personality and author, Nancy Adobea Anane, on her Instagram page saw the woman and her baby in good health.

According to Anane, the child who was due to be born in February decided to arrive 34,000 ft above sea level.

Thankfully, there was a Ghanaian practicing in the USA, Dar. Ansah-Addo onboard the same flight and with his help and the whole United crew, a bouncy baby boy was born.

“On board @united Flight UA 977 today, a lovely baby boy was born.

“The baby Who was due late February decided to arrive 34,000 ft above sea level.

“Dr. Ansah-Addo a Ghanaian practicing in the USA made himself available when the pilot called for assistance of medical personnel on board.

“With assistance from the whole United crew, a bouncy baby boy was delivered 2hours to landing.

“The flight was met on arrival by paramedics upon landing at the Washington Dulles international airport.

“The baby and his mother GG are currently under medical care,” she said.

Watch video:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nancy Adobea Anane (@msnancy_sc)

January 31, 2022
Gernot Rohr likely to face Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers

Former Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr, is among the candidates under consideration to become the next Ghana head coach, according to Ghana Web.

Milovan Rajevac was sacked after the Black Stars were eliminated from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana finished bottom of their group, which had Comoros, Morocco and Gabon.

It is the first time in their history they have failed to win at least one group stage match.

The West Africans are now looking at Rohr, who managed the Super Eagles for five years.

“Rohr is very much open to the Ghana job. Ghana football has great potential and his experience of the African game will help him steer the team in the right direction,” a source close to the coach said.

“His knowledge of African football is deep especially with West African teams. Besides Nigeria, he also handled Burkina Faso and Niger. Rohr also had a stint with Gabon in 2017. He has the quality to handle the Black Stars,” the source added.

If he takes the Ghana job, his first competitive match will be against his former employers in the 2022 World Cup play-offs in March.

January 29, 2022
Allow Nigeria go to World Cup – Ghanaian lawmaker tells countrymen

…says don’t waste your time

A member of the Ghanaian parliament, Patrick Boamah, has urged the nation to forfeit their 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff against Nigeria.

Ghana has a date with Nigeria in March in a two-legged playoff that would determine who makes it to the Qatar 2022 showpiece.

And lawmaker Boamah wants his country not to waste their time playing Nigeria, who, according to him, is a far better team than the Black Stars.

The Black Stars had an abysmal showing at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, crashing out in the group stage of the competition without winning a single game.

“If need be, we should dissolve our national team and prepare a team over the next five years,” Boamah said on the floor of parliament, according to Citi Sports via Goal.

“We should not waste our time playing Nigeria in the next World Cup qualifier.

“Look at the team Nigeria has, even though they are out of the tournament, I don’t think with this current set-up, we can stand the Nigerians.”

January 27, 2022