Users' Choice
Ghana vs Nigeria – Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips 25/03/22, Team News and Lineups
18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Begambleaware.org | Gamblingtherapy.org
Prediction for World Cup qualification match – Ghana vs Nigeria
Bookmaker Ratings prediction one: Nigeria Double Chance – 1.44
Bookmaker Ratings prediction two: Both Teams to Score – 2.25
Nigeria Double Chance
Reeling from their dreadful performance at AFCON and still without a new permanent manager, Ghana are in a state of flux at present and Nigeria can take advantage in Friday’s World Cup Qualifier. The Super Eagles have lost just two of their last ten matches and they have the tools to avoid defeat again in this week’s pivotal first leg.
Both Teams to Score
Ghana could finish Friday’s game with a disappointing result, though their consistency in the final third on home soil could see them notch a consolation. The Black Stars have scored at least once in seven of their last eight home assignments, while Nigeria have rattled the net in nine of their last ten tests on the road. With those records considered, back both teams to score at the Baba Yara Stadium.
— Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) March 22, 2022
Preliminary review and match prediction for Ghana vs Nigeria
Having been tipped as a possible tournament winner before the competition kicked off, Ghana exited January’s AFCON at the group stage in what was considered a major shock, and the Black Stars’ crisis could deepen against Nigeria in Friday’s World Cup Qualifier in Kumasi.
Still without a new permanent manager, Ghana will be led into action by interim-boss Otto Addo, who will be supported by a slew of big-name advisors including ex-Newcastle coach Chris Hughton and former Aston Villa star George Boateng.
Addo and Ghana have delayed the announcement of their squad this week in an attempt to make life more difficult for Nigeria in terms of tactical planning, though Andrew Ayew, Baba Rahman, Benjamin Tetteh and Jordan Ayew are expected to miss out.
Nigeria meanwhile, will welcome prolific Napoli striker Victor Osimhen back into the fold following his lengthy lay-off and his inclusion alongside the dangerous Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze and Emmanuel Dennis could give the Super Eagles the edge in terms of firepower this week.
Nigeria were dumped out of AFCON in the Round of 16, though their 1-0 loss to Tunisia was just their second defeat in ten matches overall and the team’s positive performances at the African Cup of Nations convinced the country’s decision-makers to keep Augustine Eguavoen in the hotseat.
That extra stability and familiarity between the players and coaching staff could prove key this week, especially when you consider that Ghana are still in a state of comparative confusion.
Ghana’s limp displays at AFCON are far too recent to be dismissed and Nigeria are better-placed to secure a positive first leg result on Friday. With that in mind, bettors are advised to back them in the double chance market.
Safe Bets
Ghana shipped five goals in three games at AFCON and their lacklustre defending came in for some staunch criticism after their elimination. Nigeria have enough in their arsenal to pull a weak-looking Ghanaian defence apart on Friday and a bet on them to score at 1.53 looks a safe option.
Get Quick Rich
Nigeria have scored twice in each of their last four away games and they notched two or more goals in two of their four AFCON fixtures in January. Against a watery-looking Ghana rearguard, they could enjoy a similarly productive runout in the final third on Friday and they are a plumb price at 3.4 to net over 1.5 times again.
Ghana vs Nigeria first goalscorer
With four goals in his last two appearances for his club side Napoli, Victor Osimhen is in red-hot form and the 23-year-old will be Nigeria’s biggest danger man on Friday. The expert finisher broke the deadlock for his club in each of their last two fixtures and he has the skills to transfer that trick to the international stage this week.
Ghana vs Nigeria Team News
Andrew Ayew, Baba Rahman, Benjamin Tetteh and Jordan Ayew are set to be absent for Ghana this week, though Arsenal star Thomas Partey is available and will captain the side.
Wilfred Ndidi is out injured for Nigeria and is replaced by Lorient midfielder Innocent Bonke. There are seven English-based players in the Super Eagles squad.
Starting Lineups
Ghana: Wollacott, Yiadom, Amartey, Dijku, Baffour – Partey, Kyereh, Issahaku, Sulemana – Boakye, Owosu
Nigeria: Okoye – Aina, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Sanusi – Ayodele-Aribo, Onyeka – Chukwueze, Iheanacho, Simon – Osimhen
Highlighted Player
Kamaldeen Sulemana
Linked with moves to Manchester United and Ajax before opting to join French club Rennes last year, attacking midfielder Kamaldeen Sulemana is considered Ghana’s hottest property. The 20-year-old has been dazzling supporters with his sublime skill in Ligue 1 and he will be hoping to add to his two international caps this week.
Most popular FAQ for Ghana vs Nigeria
Who won the last meeting between these nations?
Ghana and Nigeria haven’t met since 2014. On that occasion, the teams drew 0-0 in an AFCON semi-final tie that Ghana eventually won on penalties.
Where will this fixture be played?
Friday’s game will be played at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
Which bookmaker has the best odds for this game?
We recommend checking out the odds at William Hill for Ghana vs Nigeria.
Thanks for your help!
We appreciate your alertness!
You've successfully followed this author. You'll get notifications of his new tips on your registered e-mail.
You've successfully followed this expert. You'll get notifications of his new tips on your registered e-mail.
This means that you will no longer receive notifications about new posts by this author to your e-mail address.
You will no longer be notified of this expert's new tips.