Nigeria, Ghana In Grudge Tie

There is tension in the camps of both Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Ghana’s Black Stars as they clash in today’s semi final of the Angola 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.

P.M.Sports findings in the Eagles’ Alvalade Hotel camp in Luanda revealed that a lot will be at stake when Skipper Osaze Odemwingie leads the visibly angry Eagles against their West African opponents.

The Eagles and Black Stars are familiar foes, as the records showed they have had over 60 encounters. Their last major clash was in 2008, when Ghana hosted the Nations Cup and stopped the Nigerian team in the quarter final. Ghana failed to win as Egypt lifted the cup.

That defeat, especially the late minute goal by Junior Agogo, still hurts the Eagles and they said they are going for the kill against Ghana.

Based on the poor play of the Coach Shuaibu Amodu-led squad at the Angola 2010, Ghana believe they will win this match. But to Osaze, the Eagles will take Ghana’s youthful side to the cleaners.

“We are getting near our dream to lift the Cup of Nations. We are putting all we have into the match and we will win,’’ Osaze said.

Obafemi Martins, who is starting with Chinedu Ogbuke in the Eagles’ attack, said: “Ghana will see a different team today. It’s true we have not been playing so well, but Ghana can’t stop us twice.’’

Chelsea’s John Mikel Obi, while speaking with journalists yesterday ahead of the match reminded Ghana that Nigeria is playing the match in Luanda and the home support will not be there for either of them. We are both on away soil, it’s going to be a different ball game,’’ he said.

The Ghanaian team have also been less impressive but they have threatened to show Nigeria the way out. Gyan said he would score against the Eagles. His grudge with Nigeria was the way the Samson Siasia U-23 squad denied Ghana the Olympic ticket to Beijing 2008.

“The game is up for Nigeria. They denied us a chance to feature in the last Olympics. That’s my own grouse with them,’’ said Gyan.

Coach Milovan Rajevac has cautioned his players about the consequences of underrating Nigeria, but still hopes they will play in the final.

“The greatest strength of our team is holding on to the ball and we will play the Nigerian team as they want the game to go.”

Goalkeeper Kingston has not been in shape, but because this one is against Nigeria, he is ready to die for Ghana today. “I will not let in any goal for Nigeria, we are set to move on,’’ he boasted.

The match, to Coach Amodu, may go into extra time just as the game against Zambia’s Chipolopolo.