2022 World Cup playoff: Ghana-Nigeria rivalry is about everything including Jollof – Ahmed Musa

Ahmed Musa has claimed that the 2022 World Cup playoff tie between Nigeria and Ghana is crucial for both countries.

The long-term rivalry between the two West African neighbours will be reignited this month in a two-legged match, with the winner qualifying for the World Cup finals in Qatar.

The first leg comes off on Friday, March 25 at the Baba Yara Stadium with the return leg in four days' time at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

According to Musa, who is captain of the Super Eagles, the clash is about politics, Jollof, fashion, entertainment, and many other things.

“As you can see, it’s about the politics, it’s about the Jollof that you mentioned, it’s about music, acting, fashion, everything,” Musa said.

“And thank God football has brought us together to show again who is the king. As the record shows… I’m not going to say anything about the past. They have good records better than Nigeria but this is a new generation of the Super Eagles.”

Nigeria and Ghana have a lengthy football rivalry, with the first meeting between the two teams taking place 72 years ago.

Ghana have played Nigeria 49 times and won 21 of them. The Super Eagles have won 10 times while 18 of the clashes have ended in a stalemate.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen finally has a full house following the arrival of goalkeeper John Noble to the team's camp.

25 players have arrived at the Super Eagles camp as they step up preparations to face the Black Stars.

Nigeria began camping on Sunday in Abuja.

The latest update from the NFF indicates that the team has a full squad to embark on their trip to Ghana on Thursday.

Nigeria will fly out via a chartered flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday morning.

The team is expected to land at the Kotoka International Airport before they embark on their trip to Kumasi for the first leg encounter which comes off at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The team upon arrival will train at the match venue 24 hours before the game as stipulated by the competition regulations by CAF and FIFA.