Nigeria and Ghana renew rivalry
Coach Samson Siasia’s team will kick start their campaign in the tournament against defending champions Ghana after their opening day opponents Egypt pulled out.
Both nations have met at this stage four times, with Nigeria claiming victories on two occasions, Ghana won once and they drew a game.
Their first meeting was an Olympic Games qualifier in July 2007 when Nigeria won 3-2.
The second meeting was the return leg in November 2007 which ended in goalless draw for Nigeria to book a place at Beijing 2008 Olympics.
Incidentally, both matches were tinkered by Siasia.
They clashed again in the AAG in June 2011 which Nigeria won 3-1, while the last meeting was the return leg in July 2011 which Ghana won 2-0 to deny Nigeria qualification for 2011 AAG.
Nigeria’s Dream Team VI will be hoping to start the competition on a winning note against an arch rivals Ghana, who were lucky to hold a very lively Senegal to a goalless draw at the weekend.
Dream Team forward Etebor Oghenekaro said they are ready to battle the Black Meteors.
"We are fully prepared for the game, we are going for victory and by His grace, we will get the victory,” said the Warri Wolves star.
"Ghana are always tough against Nigeria, we are not bothered as we are ready for them. I am calling on Nigerians to support and pray for us wholeheartedly, we won't disappoint them."
Nigeria, who won the AAG gold in 1973 as host, will be counting on an attack led by Junior Ajayi and Turkey-based Umar Aminu after the likes of Godwin Saviour were not released by their European clubs.
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