Ghana and Nigeria are both aiming to cap remarkable revivals by winning the 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations champions when they meet in a final that few thought possible in Cape Coast this evening.
These are two of the most successful nations in the history of the West African football.
They have met 49 times where Ghana has won 19 times and Nigeria 11 times.
Ghana, from the statistics, have looked strong contenders throughout the tournament and this will be their second final appearance in recent years having beaten Senegal 3-1 back in 2013.
Nigeria have not exactly been a joy to watch as they have built their success under a rock of solid defence that confronted a tough Benin in the semi-finals edging the Squirrels 1-0.
This will be the Super Eagles third WAFU final appearance and they have only won it once in 2010.
Both sides have met once in this WAFU tournament where Nigeria emerged victorious when they beat Black Stars 2-0 in final Group A match on Monday.
Ghana’s Coach Maxwell Konadu insists that his side is more than capable of claiming revenge against the Super Eagles when the teams meet again in the final.
“We will be very prepared for Nigeria. They beat us last time so we have to come out strong to turn the table against them come Sunday, Konadu said.
“They are a very good side, but we have to fight very hard.
“You know we are the defending champions, but that now belongs to history. Sunday will be a new chapter we have to open and we will do so by trying to beat Nigeria.
“The last time (we met), we had issues as regards injuries, but I hope we have all the players fit on Sunday and we will come very, very strong against Nigeria.
“It won’t be an easy game, they won’t find it easy as well.”
On the other hand, Super Eagles Assistant Coach, Salisu Yusuf, has said it would be difficult to beat hosts Ghana for the second time in the final.
Salisu, whose team have yet to concede a goal in their five matches at the competition, said the hosts would be out for revenge today.
“It will be very difficult task to beat Ghana a second time, but we hope not to disappoint Nigerians. We know what they will be up to and what they will be ready to give to take the trophy. We are more than ready to confront them and give them more than they expect,” the coach said.
“The Eagles have become used to winning, from winning the CHAN ticket to conquering Sierra Leone and even Ghana here to reach the final, and we cannot stop now. We want that winning mentality to remain all the way to the CHAN finals early next year.
“We do not plan to change our tactics much against them tomorrow, but we know they will come out fighting in front of their fans.”
Benin and Niger will battle for the bronze of the sub-regional competition.
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