Ghana looks to complete a hat-trick over Nigeria in the third group match of the African U-17 Championship in Togo today.
Ghana has got qualification to the semi-finals of the African U-17 Championship and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in August wrapped up.
Now the Black Starlets have to protect Ghana’s pride in matches against Nigeria.
Already, Ghanaian national sides in two separate levels in football have completed wins over their Nigerian sides this year and today in Togo, the junior team can complete the treble and top Group B in the on-going African Championship.
Though Nigeria have also qualified for the semi-finals and the World Cup tournament, they have their pride to protect as well and prevent Ghana from completing a hat-trick as both nations battle it out in the last group game between the two West African rivals.
Ghana - two-time African and World Champions would take on Nigeria in the third group match today in Kegue.
The outcome of the game apart from determining who tops the group, it would also complete the parings for the semi-final matches.
The winner of the group would meet Tunisia who placed second in Group A while Togo plays the second-placed team in Group B.
Ghana coach, Fred Osam Duodu after guiding the Black Starlets first beat Burkina Faso 3-1 in the first group game before thrashing Eritrea 6-0 on Wednesday says he respects every side at the Championship though he does not fear any side.
"As we prepare for Nigeria in our last game, I must state that I don't fear any team but I respect all teams even the one I just defeated. We are prepared for them," the Ghana coach said.
However, Nigeria trainer, Adeyemi Tella says his team’s 2-1 win over Burkina Faso that secured them a semi-finals berth does not take anything away from their 8-0 win over Eritrea in their first match.
"The low score line does not in any way rub off our first score line against Eritrea. We are sure going to win the cup. Ghana can't stop us from winning the championship," the Nigerian coach said.
The other group game would see Burkina Faso play Eritrea and though both nations are out of contention for a place in the semi-finals.
