The soccer rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria kick off the programmes for both country’s in the New Year as Brentford prepares to host the first fixture between both West African sides outside the shores of Africa at the senior level.

Ghana and Nigeria would be lining up at the Griffin Park in Brentford on February 6 in an international friendly.

The last time both nations met, the Super Eagles came out tops beating the Black Stars 1-0 the group stages of the 2006 African Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt.

Ahead of the crunch game with Nigeria, Claude Le Roy, coach of Ghana hopes to enjoy a good game as he leads his side to his first All-African match since taking over as coach of the Black Stars last year.

“For me, it is a friendly game, the important game would be on 20 January nay and 10 February when the CAN begins and ends here (Ghana).

“We can win all the games and lose in 2008. For me what is important is to be ready for the start and 10 February to win the African Cup of Nations.

“Even if we get to the finals and lose in the final, it would be a bad result for us.

“I am looking to enjoy a good game and look at my players,” Le Roy said.

The friendly with the Super Eagles forms part of Ghana’s build up towards the African Cup of Nations next year.

Ghana, by virtue of being host of the 2008 African Cup of Nations finals would not be playing any competitive match until January 2008, when the tournament kicks off in Accra.

The game with Nigeria would be the first match against an African opposition for Claude Le Roy who goes into his fourth game as Ghana coach.

Le Roy guided the Black Stars to their double Asian conquest where Ghana beat Japan and South Korea in separate international friendlies in October last year.

The coach drew in his third match in charge against Australia later in November and would be hoping to build on the impressive performances in the New Year.

Ghana undefeated in four international matches since her round of 16 exit at last year’s World Cup would be making a third appearance in Brentford after playing Senegal and Togo at the same venue last year.