A closer look at the 5 key players to watch out in Nigeria vs Ghana's Jollof War

The last time Nigeria and Ghana met was in Abuja, a FIFA World Cup qualifier.

FOOTBALL A closer look at the 5 key players to watch out in Nigeria vs Ghana's Jollof War

A closer look at the 5 key players to watch out in Nigeria vs Ghana's Jollof War

Izuchukwu Akawor • 03:57 - 20.03.2024

Nigeria and Ghana will renew their famous jollof war rivalry during a friendly match in Morocco.

The friendly match between Nigeria and Ghana holds significant historical and cultural importance, as both countries have a long-standing rivalry on the football field. 

The match in Morocco serves as an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and for fans to witness an intense battle between two of Africa's football powerhouses. 

This friendly encounter provides a platform for players to build camaraderie, test their abilities, and gain valuable experience ahead of major competitions. Additionally, it offers fans a chance to witness top-quality football and celebrate the rich sporting heritage of both nations.

Key Players To Watch In Nigeria vs Ghana

In this highly anticipated friendly encounter between the Super Eagles and Black Stars, several key players will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. 

One such player is Ghana's forward Mohammed Kudus, who has been in scintillating form for his club West Ham United and will be looking to replicate that success on the international stage. 

Ghana's Mohammed Kudus celebrates his goal for West Ham on Thursday.
Ghana's Mohammed Kudus celebrates his goal for West Ham on Thursday. (Photo Credit: Kudus/X0

Kudus has been inspirational for the Hammers, contributing to 20 goals and assists across competitions in his first season with the club.

The 23-year-old versatile forward will go into this encounter as Black Stars’ main threat and beckon of hope.

var widgetLoaderConfig = widgetLoaderConfig || { CDN_URL: 'https://widgets.sportal365.com', APP_LINK: 'desktop', API_URL: 'https://africa.football.api.sportal365.com/', API_KEY: '2f852b4de2f3a5cf3188e74b33087bb4:2c18422f8e826a7d11aeed52edb2449e', LANG: 'en', REQUEST_INTERVAL: 30, ENABLE_BET_SLIP: false, AUTHOR: false, THEME: "light", TOURNAMENT_ORDER: "pulse_nigeria", LINK_OPTIONS_V2: { 'player' : { 'url': '/football/player/{playerId}' }, 'team' : { 'url': '/football/{teamId}' }, 'tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}' }, 'match': { 'url' : '/football/match/{matchId}', 'sort': { 'criteria': 'alphabetically', 'direction': 'asc' } }, 'configuration': { 'newWindow': false }, 'standings_tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}/standings' } } }; if (!document.querySelector('script[src="https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js"]')) { window.setTimeout(function () { let scriptCss = document.createElement('link'); scriptCss.href = 'https://www.pulsesports.co.ke/css/sport-widgets.css?v=1668785443'; scriptCss.rel = 'stylesheet'; scriptCss.type = 'text/css'; document.body.appendChild(scriptCss); let scriptTag = document.createElement('script'); scriptTag.src = 'https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js'; scriptTag.defer = true; scriptTag.onload = function () { window.setTimeout(function () { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }, 200); }; document.head.appendChild(scriptTag); }, 0); } else { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }

Alex Iwobi, Nigeria

Another player to keep an eye on is Super Eagles's midfielder Alex Iwobi, who is certainly going to have all eyes on him when Nigeria takes to the pitch in Marrakech.

Iwobi was abused and cyberbullied the last time in wore the Nigerian colour as the Eagles suffered a painful 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast in the final of the AFCON 2023.

Alex Iwobi is the Super Eagles star was bullied the last time he played for Nigeria
Alex Iwobi is the Super Eagles star was bullied the last time he played for Nigeria |IMAGO

However, he returns to the team in good shape and form after his brilliant performance for Fulham since his return to Craven Cottage from Ivory Coast.

Fatawu Issahaku, Ghana

After rejecting the chance to be a part of the infamous Ghana side in the 34th AFCON, the talented Leicester City forward is back with the Black Stars. 

Abdul Fatawu Isshaku playing for Ghana
Abdul Fatawu Isshaku playing for Ghana | Imago

Fatawu Issahaku has played a key role in Leicester’s push for an immediate return to the Premier League following their relegation last season.

With three goals and 10 assists this season for the Foxes, the 20-year-old has to make amends for lost time and what better match than against Ghana’s bitter rivals Nigeria?

var widgetLoaderConfig = widgetLoaderConfig || { CDN_URL: 'https://widgets.sportal365.com', APP_LINK: 'desktop', API_URL: 'https://africa.football.api.sportal365.com/', API_KEY: '2f852b4de2f3a5cf3188e74b33087bb4:2c18422f8e826a7d11aeed52edb2449e', LANG: 'en', REQUEST_INTERVAL: 30, ENABLE_BET_SLIP: false, AUTHOR: false, THEME: "light", TOURNAMENT_ORDER: "pulse_nigeria", LINK_OPTIONS_V2: { 'player' : { 'url': '/football/player/{playerId}' }, 'team' : { 'url': '/football/{teamId}' }, 'tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}' }, 'match': { 'url' : '/football/match/{matchId}', 'sort': { 'criteria': 'alphabetically', 'direction': 'asc' } }, 'configuration': { 'newWindow': false }, 'standings_tournament': { 'url': '/football/competition/{tournamentId}/standings' } } }; if (!document.querySelector('script[src="https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js"]')) { window.setTimeout(function () { let scriptCss = document.createElement('link'); scriptCss.href = 'https://www.pulsesports.co.ke/css/sport-widgets.css?v=1668785443'; scriptCss.rel = 'stylesheet'; scriptCss.type = 'text/css'; document.body.appendChild(scriptCss); let scriptTag = document.createElement('script'); scriptTag.src = 'https://widgets.sportal365.com/loader.bundle.min.js'; scriptTag.defer = true; scriptTag.onload = function () { window.setTimeout(function () { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }, 200); }; document.head.appendChild(scriptTag); }, 0); } else { new SMPWidgetsLoader(widgetLoaderConfig); }

Cyriel Dessers, Nigeria

If there is one player who has a lot to prove to Nigerians it is former Europa Conference League top scorer, Cyriel Dessers.

Dessers have struggled to prove that he deserves more chances to show his quality in the Super Eagles despite his good form at club level.

Dessers has contributed 14 goals in just 18 starts for Rangers in the league this season.

However, the Rangers star, who has contributed 14 goals this season in the Scottish Premiership, now has the chance to stake a claim with main stars like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and Terem Moffi all missing the games.

Bruno Onyemaechi, Nigeria

While many Nigerians know what this Boavista man can do, it seems he still has to convince his coaches more. 

Bruno Onyemaechi did not play a single minute for Nigeria at AFCON 2023.

After he was ignored at the AFCON 2023, the 24-year-old is expected to fight for a starting berth with regulars like Zaidu Sanusi and Ola Aina all out due to injuries.

Related content

Tags:
Ghana Nigeria