Ghana’s Black Sticks will open their Hockey World League Round 1 account against rivals  Nigeria at Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium on Friday afternoon.
 

Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria as well as Namibia will battle each other for qualification to the second round which is the knockout stage.

In terms of FIH Hero World Rankings, the men’s teams are ranked as follows: Namibia (78), Nigeria (53), Ghana (43) and Kenya (38), while the women are ranked: Nigeria (62), Kenya (40) and Ghana (29).

Head coach of the female team Ebenezer Frimpong says they are poised to shock opponents.

“The team is psychologically ready for the tourney and we are physically ready but doing some small touch offs.”

"The head coach has spoken to all players and every player is ready for the battle,”

This is the second international hockey event to be hosted in Ghana. The country finished third in the last event, Hockey African Cup for Nations.