SUPER Eagles strikers Victor Osimhen and Odion Ighalo are upbeat about the team’s chances in the pursuit of a Qatar 2022 World Cup ticket.
The Nigerian side host their Ghanaian counterparts at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday, four days after a 0-0 draw in Kumasi in the first leg of the World Cup playoffs.
Napoli striker Osimhen is the main main in Nigeria’s attack expected to provide the goals, and he says he is ready to play his part in securing the victory his side need to clinch the World Cup spot.
“It means a lot not just to me but the whole team and we are really looking forward to this game coming on Tuesday,” Osimhen told NFF TV’s YouTube channel.
“Of course like I always say, it won’t be easy and it hasn’t been easy most especially in Africa because it is very physical. Of course to get the World Cup ticket will mean a lot to this team.
“I think we are going to be playing with our 12th man, that’s our fans, and of course with the way they will support us I think we have a chance of getting this World Cup ticket.
“But it won’t be easy, we have to give respect to the Ghanaian team also because they have some great quality players.
“But I think we are ready because we have good quality players and individual talents that can equally win the game for us. And we have a very good squad depth. And the bench also, we have good quality players that can come from the bench and make a difference. And we are really looking forward to this game as a group.”
Ighalo, who did not play in Kumasi but is a potent option off the bench, says he is driven by the desire to attend another World Cup after making his Mundial debut four years ago in Russia.
The Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia striker called on Abuja fans to fill up the 60,000-capacity Moshood Abiola National Stadium to give the Super Eagles unrelenting support.
“I tried to talk to the younger guys that have not been there before now. This is an opportunity for us to go to Qatar 2022 because you won’t know how it feels now until after your football career you will understand what it means to play in the World Cup,” Ighalo said in the joint interview with Osimhen.
“Like I said, I have been there before and I know what it is and I am looking forward by God’s grace to go to another one again.
“This is home advantage for us but we are not going to go to sleep because it’s going to be a difficult game. Ghana will definitely come all out because they have nothing to lose here now.
“We just have to give 110% of our best in the game on Tuesday. Take our chances, fight from the start to the finish till the final whistle. I know by God’s grace we are going to come out victorious but we have to work hard. It is going to be a tough one but we are going to win by God’s grace.”
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