World Cup play-off: Ghana squad delay may be counter-productive – Ex-Super Eagles star Henry Nwosu

Former Nigeria midfielder Henry Nwosu believes Ghana failing to release their squad list a week before the Super Eagles World Cup play-off may be counter-productive.

The Super Eagles will play Ghana in a two-legged encounter on Friday with the winner securing one of the five slots on the African continent.

The first leg of the titanic qualifying tie will be played on March 25 at the Baba Yara Stadium. Four days later, the two giants will meet again in Abuja with the aggregate winner qualifying for the tournament later this year.

Ghana have delayed in the announcement of their squad for the much-anticipated game on Friday.

However, according to Henry Nwosu, the delay in the release of the squad may be counter-productive as he believes the Super Eagles defeat Ghana to qualify.

“There is no doubt that the game between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana will be a blockbuster encounter considering their great rivalry in the past.

“I expect a tough game but releasing a team list just a week to the game may just be counter-productive for them. I am confident that the Black Stars will fall prey to the Super Eagles in Kumasi whether they like it or not.” He told Completesports.com.

Having missed out in the last edition of the Mundial, the Black Stars are seeking to play in the World Cup for the fourth time having played in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 in Germany, South Africa and Brazil respectively.

Meanwhile, Nigeria are in search of their 7th qualification to the biggest soccer mundial to be staged in Qatar.

The Super Eagles will arrive in Accra on Wednesday and will travel to the match venue, Kumasi on Thursday before the much-anticipated clash on Friday.

In head-to-head meetings between the two West African rivals, Ghana enjoys the superiority having won 25, drew 19 and lost 12 in 56 clashes.