Thomas Partey has failed to sparkle in a Black Stars game since the start of the year.

Right from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations to the first leg of the FIFA World Cup qualifier playoff against Nigeria at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Following his return from the AFCON, Partey has been an instrumental figure in the Arsenal team, leading to him winning the club's Player of the Month award in February while also scoring his first goal of the 2021/22 campaign.

Wearing the armband and leading the team in the absence of Andre Ayew last Friday, Ghanaians, despite fearing a star-studded Super Eagles squad assembled by Augustine Eguavoen, were taking solace in the fact that the Black Stars have never lost a game that the Arsenal man has captained the team.

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While also on that duty, the 28-year-old has scored in all of those games he wore the armband (vs. Japan, Iceland, Mauritania and Zimbabwe).

Against Nigeria, Partey, leading the team, was expected to be the source of some individual brilliance within the team with the others following suit but Ghanaians deemed his performance against the Super Eagles far from his usual best with some others also questioning his commitment to the national team.

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Despite the criticism he faced, Partey is bent on ensuring Ghana's participation in the World Cup which takes place in Qatar later this year and has promised Ghanaians of victory in Abuja.

Speaking to reporters during his post-match press conference after the first-leg encounter, the Arsenal midfielder said: “We know we should have won this game against Nigeria but a draw is not bad. However, I know that our fans are disappointed in us, as we had promised them victory.

“Nevertheless, it isn’t over until it is over and we promise all Ghanaians that we will go for victory in Abuja come Tuesday.”

Partey knows that for that to happen everyone in the squad, starting from him, as the leader on the pitch would need to come to show at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Tuesday, March 29.

Touted as the man to carry the Black Stacks someday, the former Atletico Madrid midfielder will probably need to look at this fixture again and perhaps conclude, 'this is the perfect time to do the carrying.'

Ghanaians may not necessarily be relying on Partey to get on the scoresheet but they are, of course, looking up to the 28-year-old to show leadership skills and get the heads of his teammates into the game to ensure Ghana make a return to the Mundial after missing out on the last edition in Russia back in 2018.

Partey may be under a lot of pressure at the moment, but a party in Abuja and qualification to the World Cup could be the kind of game that defines the midfielder's international career. It is and will be Partey's opportunity to be the difference-maker when this really matters.