Nigeria Interim Coach Finidi George Sends Warning to Ghana Ahead of Friendly in Morocco

• Finidi George has opened up ahead of Ghana's friendly with Nigeria
• The former Super Eagles player will lead the team for the friendly
• Ghana face Nigeria for the first time since the 2022 World Cup qualifier

Finidi George believes the international friendly between the Black Stars of Ghana and the Super Eagles of Nigeria is beyond 'friendly' due to the rivalry between the two nations.

The last time the two sides met, Ghana edged Nigeria to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

However, the Super Eagles seem to be on the ascendency after reaching the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they lost to host Ivory Coast in the final.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars for the second consecutive time were eliminated from the group stages of the Nations Cup.

African Games: Black Princesses Hit New Kudus Celebration in Senegal Win, Set Up Clash With Nigeria

Football

Despite their recent slump, Finidi George is not leaving any stone unturned ahead of the match in Marrakech on Friday.

"They call it friendly but there is nothing friendly when you play, especially Ghana," he said, as quoted by Kick GH.

The Super Eagles will miss their top striker Victor Osimhen but the ex-Nigeria player insists the boys in camp are ready for Ghana.

"The team is prepared and they know what is at stake. That rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria is always there so that is an extra motivation for the players. I think we are good to go," he added.

Nigeria will next face Mali in the March international break on Tuesday, as reported by MSN.

Awaziem ready for Ghana in friendly

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Portugal-based defender Chidozie Awaziem insists Nigeria is ready for Ghana's Black Stars ahead of Friday's friendly.

Osimhen and four others ruled out of Nigeria's friendlies with Ghana and Mali

Football

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will renew their rivalry with the Black Stars in the final friendly international window ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series.

The clash, slated for the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco, will see both sides clash for the first time since their last meeting in 2022.

Kudus ruled out of Nigeria clash

Sports Brief also reported that Mohammed Kudus withdrew from the Black Stars team for the international friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda.

The West Ham United star has reportedly picked up a shoulder injury, preventing him from joining the squad for the two games in the March international break.

West Ham and the Ghana Football Association are yet to communicate the reason for the midfielder's absence in Marrakech, Morocco, where the Black Stars have been camping.