The build-up to the Ghana-Nigeria double-header for the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs will hit fever pitch tomorrow, March 19 on the Joy Sports Link with Nathaniel Attoh on Joy 99.7 FM.

The simple reason is that two former players who have faced each other in this tension-filled fixture will engage in a friendly verbal war on the authoritative Joy Sports Link show.

After making his debut as a 20-year-old on December 5, 2001, under then Black Stars coach, Fred Isam Duodu, Paintsil went on to feature a further 82 times for Ghana. The 40-year-old was part of Ghana's historic team who made it to the quarterfinal of the World Cup in 2010. Paintsil was also a member of the 2006 squad who played in the mundial in Germany

With 21 goals under his belt for his national team, Yakubu Ayigbeni was an instrumental figure in the Super Eagles team during his days with the squad. The former Everton star made 57 appearances for Nigeria after making his debut on September 13, 2000.

Both former players have expressed their delight about being on the show ahead of the first leg which is scheduled for Friday, March 25, at the Baba Yara Stadium