Jose Peseiro is no longer in charge of the AFCON runners-up, while Otto Addo has returned as the head coach of the Black Stars. Despite Nigeria finishing as runners-up at the Cup of Nations, they enter their first encounter with Ghana since missing out on a World Cup ticket without a permanent head coach.
For Friday's match, Finidi George is expected to lead the team. George, who was part of the coaching staff under Peseiro, may take charge temporarily. However, uncertainty looms over whether he will secure the position permanently, especially after the national federation publicly advertised the vacancy on their website two weeks ago, inviting interested candidates to apply.
In the meantime, George's interim leadership should provide continuity for the team, with the retired winger unlikely to make drastic changes so soon after the AFCON disappointment. Under Peseiro, Nigeria struggled in friendly matches, losing six out of eight games, with their only victory being a 3-2 win over Mozambique in October 2023.
The upcoming fixtures against Ghana and Mali offer a chance for Nigeria to improve their record in friendly matches, and George aims to kickstart this process. Matches against Ghana, often dubbed the "Jollof derby" on social media, are typically intense, especially since the Black Stars are still recovering from their early exit in AFCON 2023.
Addo returns to the helm after Chris Hughton's departure, following Ghana's group-stage elimination in AFCON, where they failed to secure a single victory. With Addo previously leading Ghana to the 2022 World Cup, the federation has turned to him again, hoping for a similar success as he eases back into the role before taking over permanently at the end of the European season.
Having already held Nigeria to a goalless draw in Ghana and a 1-1 draw in Abuja, Addo's team aims to extend their unbeaten streak to three matches against the Super Eagles on Friday.
Despite winning just one of their last eight games, a 1-0 victory over Madagascar in World Cup qualifying, the Black Stars hope to avoid ending the evening with only one win in nine matches.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Nigeria's standout players from AFCON 2023, including Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong, are notably absent from the squad, along with Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi.However, the three-time African champions have the return of Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the Cup of Nations due to injury. Additionally, Nathan Tella from Bayer Leverkusen could be in line for a starting position.
Ademola Lookman made a significant impact as a forward during the continental tournament and prefers to continue in that role rather than being deployed as a winger, although there's a chance he might be utilized differently if Finidi George opts for a three-man defense.
For Ghana, Mohammed Kudus stands out as their key player despite his impressive form not being enough to lift the team in Cote d'Ivoire.
Jordan Ayew brings his trademark work ethic to the Ghanaian side, while Antoine Semenyo, who recently scored two crucial goals for Bournemouth in a Premier League match against Luton Town, poses a threat to Nigeria's defense.
Unfortunately for Ghana, Thomas Partey is sidelined due to injury, having just returned to action with Arsenal in the Premier League.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Nigeria possible starting lineup:Nwabali; Awaziem, Ajayi, Bassey; Osayi-Samuel, Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyemaechi; Tella, Lookman; Dessers
Ghana possible starting lineup:
Ati-Zigi; Lamptey, Djiku, Salisu, Mensah; Owusu, Diomande; Issahaku, Kudus, J. Ayew; Semenyo
EXPERT PREDICTION
Nigeria 2-2 Ghana
Considering the recent changes in both managerial setups, it might take a while for the new coaches to make their influence felt on their teams. Therefore, we predict a draw for this match.
