Ghana and Nigeria will compete in an international friendly match at Brantford’s Park Grounds, London tonight in a big rivalry game that should help prepare both teams for the finals of the 2008 African Nations Cup.


With both sides being tough rivals in West Africa, the match is expected to be magnificent with stiff opposition from both sides.





Ghana´s friendly with the Super Eagles forms part of their build up towards the 2008 African Cup of Nation to be hosted in Ghana and also are seeking to end the fifteen-year unbeaten run of their rivals, while the Super Eagles of Nigeria will use the friendly against Ghana’s Black Stars to prepare for their upcoming qualifying fixture against Uganda in March. Nigeria is currently Top of the Group 3 with six point from two games.


Fans of both teams are aware of the fact that both sides are endowed with distinguished and talented players, and both sides are expected to exhibit good technical and tactical skills, many just can’t wait to see the outcome when they meet tonight.


Chances:
Ghana undefeated in four international matches since their round 16 exit at last year’s World Cup would be making a third appearance in Brentford after playing Senegal and Togo at the same venue last year. Ghana also played friendly matches against Japan and South Korea , both won 1-0 and 3-1, respectively.


Nigeria on the other hand, currently have a 100% record in their first two games in the Nations Cup qualifying.



Both sides have equal chances of winning the game.


Squads:


Ghana:


Goalkeepers: Sammy Adjei (Mohadon Sports Ashdod, Israel), Richard Kingson (BB Ankaraspor, Turkey)


Defenders: Hans Adu Sarpei (VFL Wolfsburg, Germany), John Paintsil (West Ham, England), Francis Dickoh (FC Utrecht, Holland), Habib Mohammed (Molde FK, Norway), Shilla Illiasu (Saturn FC, Russia) and John Mensah (Rennes, France)


Midfielders: Stephen Appiah (Fenerbache, Turkey), Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Laryea Kingson (Hearts, Scotland) Sulley Ali Muntari (Udinese, Italy), Haminu Draman (Genclerbirligi, Turkey), Eric Addo (PSV Eindhoven, Holland)


Forwards: Junior Agogo (Nottingham Forest, England), Joe Tex Frimpong (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia) Asamoah Gyan (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia) Ibrahim Salou (Club Brugge, Holland), Quincy Owusu Abeyie (Spartak Moscow, Russia) and Isaac Boakye (VFL Wolfsburg, Germany).


Nigeria:


Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv, Israel), Austin Ejide (Bastia, France)


Defenders: Joseph Enakarhire (Bordeaux, France), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Taye Taiwoo (Marseille, France), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Ifeanyi Udeze (AEK Athens, Greece), Obinna Nwaneri (Esperance, Tunisia)


Midfielders: Yusuf Ayila (Dinamo Kyiv, Ukraine), Christian Obodo (Udinese, Italy), Wilson Oruma (Marseille, France), Peter Odemwingie (Lille, France), Patrick Ovie (Dinamo Moscow, Russia)


Strikers: Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), Stephen Makinwa (Lazio, Italy), Obafemi Martins (Newcastle, England), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Middlesbrough, England), John Utaka (Stade Rennes, France), Seyi George Olofinjana (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)