As anticipation builds within the Nigerian camp ahead of Friday's Nigeria vs Ghana friendly in Marrakech, Kenneth Omeruo has admitted the team now wears a new look, especially in the eyes of potential opponents, something they (the players) have come to accept.
Fresh from their runner-up finish in the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Ivory Coast, Omeruo, who is a linchpin within the Nigeria squad, set the tone for their clash against their arch rivals on Friday, emphasising the team's elevated stature in African football following their recent achievement.
While the Super Eagles have yet to defeat the Black Stars in an official match since a 1-0 win at the 2006 AFCON held in Egypt, Omeruo underscored the significance of maintaining and surpassing their runner-up finish at the last AFCON and believes that such narrative can change at the end of ninety minutes.
“Everything must be done to maintain the new status we found ourselves in after the AFCON and we must do all we can to exceed it,” he said.
Omeruo talks up preparations for Nigeria v Ghana
Reflecting on their preparations for the upcoming friendlies, he commended the return of some key players to the squad and highlighted that their training sessions have been quite intense, with focus on tactical refinement for the game against Ghana.
“It’s usually not a friendly game against Ghana,” Omeruo noted, acknowledging the intensity of their encounters with their West African rivals. “But we are ready for the game and we will go out there to win.”
When asked about newcomer Benjamin Tanimu's integration into the team, Omeruo praised the young defender's abilities, stating, “He's a good player and a good defender with lots of potential.”
The Kasimpasa player, who was part of Nigeria’s winning squad the last time the country won the AFCON in South Africa back in 2013, also hinted at an initiation ritual planned for him (Tanimu) later in the evening, as their way of welcoming a newbie to the team.
Nigeria vs Ghana build-up: Omeruo joins the ‘Jollof Derby” frenzy
While all the players are looking forward to the clash against Ghana, the “Jollof derby”, Omeruo humorously asserted Nigeria's superiority both on and off the pitch. “Ah, definitely Nigerian jollof! We cook better and make the best jollof.”
He also expressed the team’s readiness for the showdown, saying, “We are looking forward to going out there to win.“
As the Super Eagles prepare to face their Ghanaian counterparts, Omeruo's words reflected a blend of determination, camaraderie, and playful rivalry, setting the stage for an enthralling encounter between two African football powerhouses.
Moroccan referee to handle heavyweight clash
The 60th international match-up between the Black Stars of Ghana and the Super Eagles of Nigeria will be officiated by Jayed Jalal from Morocco.
The 36-year-old was one of the referees that was on duty at the last AFCON in Ivory Coast. Jalal will be assisted by compatriots Akarhad Mostafa (Assistant I), Brinsi Zakaria (Assistant II), and El Fariq Hamza (Fourth Official).
Friday’s encounter is slated for the Grand Stade de Marrakech, Morocco, and will kick off at 5 pm Nigerian time.
