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Nigeria talk up chances against Ghana

16 years ago
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Ghana’s opponents for the quarter-finals of the 2008 African Cup of Nations, Nigeria are talking up their chances of a semi-final place as the Super Eagles say they will end the party of the host nation.

Nigeria, who scraped through on the final day of the group matches via goal difference ahead of Mali play Ghana at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra on Sunday.

Before kickoff, Nigeria assistant coach Austin Eguavoen has started touting their credentials as the continents best team, according to the pre-rankings released by FIFA.

"We are rated as the best team in Africa currently and so should not fear any team in this competition," said Nigeria assistant coach Austin Eguavoen.

"Our target is to win the Cup and that means we have to knock out Ghana to stay on course. It will not be easy but if there is one team capable of doing this, it is Nigeria.

"We are preparing for the 2010 World Cup and have a young team that has shown great promise and character."

Eguavoen is not alone, John Obi Mikel, says the team is determined to again beat the odds against the Black Stars in Accra in the quarter-final.

"Against Benin we showed character and got the result. We only have to step it up against Ghana and we will be in the semi-finals. We can do this because we're a team for the big occasion," said Mikel.

Nigeria certainly have a score to settle against Ghana after the Black Stars handed them a 4-1 thrashing in an international friendly a year ago in London.