Ex-international Optimistic of Super Eagles Chances Ahead of World Cup Playoffs Against Ghana

• Mutiu Adepoju expects the Super Eagles to triumph over the Black Stars due to Nigeria’s large pool of quality players
• Arch-rivals Nigeria and Ghana were on Saturday drawn to face each other in the 2022 World Cup playoffs
• Both African powerhouses have been knocked out early in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations ongoing in Cameroon

Former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju believes Ghana’s disastrous outing at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations could be a huge advantage to the Super Eagles of Nigeria after both sides were drawn to face each other in the final round of the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs.

The Black Stars were knocked out in the first round of Africa’s biggest football showpiece amidst disappointment which has led to the country’s FA sacking Serbian head coach Milovan Rajevac.

Nigeria however did not fare better themselves as they were surprisingly bundled out in the round of 16 by a spirited Tunisian side despite the Super Eagles winning all group stage games and tagged favorites for the tie.

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Both West African nations are now set to renew their rivalry as they must now take to the pitch to determine one of Africa’s five World Cup slots for the tournament scheduled for Qatar in November.

According to a report via Goal, Mutiu Adepoju believes that the Super Eagles have enough quality to beat their Ghanaian neighbours to the World Cup ticket.

“Sure! that can play into the Super Eagles’ advantage and it is good for us, but we should do our homework well and the players must be ready and prepared for the big game.

“However, having disappointed at the Africa Cup of Nations and following their absence from the 2018 edition in Russia, the Black Stars will do all it takes to return to the big stage.

“Even at that, the quality in our team and with a positive mindset, I strongly believe that Nigeria will triumph.”

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The two legs of the 2022 World Cup playoffs will be played between 23-29 March, 2022.

Andre Ayew and Alex Iwobi to miss World Cup qualifiers play-offs in March

Earlier Sportsbrief reported the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers play-offs between Ghana and Nigeria will miss three important players, with Andre Ayew and Benjamin Tetteh of the Black Stars suspended as Alex Iwobi of Super Eagles faces a similar fate.

The three players received red cards during the Africa Cup of Nations and will not be available for the game in March.