The old West African rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria looks set to light up
the African Nations Cup quarter-finals on Sunday in Bamako.
It will be the second time in seven months that both sides are facing each
other after a similar crucial encounter on June 29 in a World Cup qualifier.

Nigeria won that match 3-0 in the first 45 minutes in Port Harcourt, but
this time the March 26th Stadium in Bamako provides a different setting and
reward for the two sides.

A place in the semi-finals, against either Senegal or DR Congo, is what the
battle will be all about.

For Nigeria pride is at stake on the basis that they are one of the five
West African teams hoping to reach the last four.

Ghana last defeated the Nigerians 2-1 in the knock-out stage of the Nations
Cup exactly 10 years ago, but a lot has changed since for both sides.

For Ghana, many see the Black Stars new look side as a youth team and the
absence of some well-known players may have diminished the hype in the game
itself.

Ghanaian coach, Fred Osam-Duodu said: "Port Harcourt is different. It was
difficult to get some of my best players."

"I don't want to predict anything, but I am only hoping that my players are
tactically disciplined. What I asked them to do against South Africa they
did but it all went wrong against Burkina Faso in Mopti."

"If we do the same against Nigeria it will be a problem for us."

Although questions have been raised about Nigeria's lackluster performance,
the Super Eagles seem confident.

On the eve of the match the players look relaxed and there is hardly any
sign that coach Amodou Shuaibu will make any special camping plans.

Amodu believes that his team prefers to play the bigger countries in the
competition.

"Ghana being one of the most formidable opponents in this competition is
good for us - the bigger the better," he said.

But Amodu dismissed the history between the two sides.

"They are just another team that we have to play. I don't want to start
talking about jinxs or scores to settle."

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