Head coach of the Ghana women’s national U20 team, Yussif Basigi, has stated his team’s readiness to overcome Nigeria in the final of the female football event at the 2023 African Games, Soccernet.ng reports.
As hosts, Ghana have impressed at the tournament, beating Senegal (3-1), Tanzania (2-1), Ethiopia (1-0) and earning a draw against Uganda (1-1) to reach the final.
The Black Princesses are in the African Games final for the first time since beating Cameroon to win gold in Congo Brazzaville in 2015.
However, on Thursday, the Ghanaian girls meet the most successful national team in African Games history, Nigeria.
The Falconets have three gold medals following triumphs in 2003, 2007, and 2019.
Nigeria needed penalties to overcome Cameroon in Rabat, Morocco, four years ago and look good enough to reclaim their crown in Accra.
The Nigerian ladies have already defeated Morocco (2-0), Senegal (4-0), and Uganda (2-0) without conceding a goal.
Still, Ghana coach Basigi insists he has the winning secret to surprising the Falconets.
“We are poised to play the final against Nigeria because each time both countries meet, it does not matter how good your team is because of the rivalry,” Basigi said at his pre-match press conference.
“We are prepared for them as they are for us as well.
“We vary our games, and with the strength of the Nigerians, I think Uganda and Senegal are equally strong, but we overcame them.
“Nigeria is strong and technically good, and we have what it takes to play against them. Playing against Nigeria is not new as I have played against the Super Falcons during my time as Black Queens head coach.”
Basigi added: “We have a tactical ploy, and we look at each game to know who can play so you may see changes in the team that plays Nigeria in the final.
“Nigeria has scored many goals, but it depends on who you’re playing against. It happened in the WAFU B U-20 Girls Cup when they didn’t concede so the final will determine.”
Match details
Competition: 2023 African Games
Match: Ghana vs Nigeria
Venue: Cape Coast Sports Stadium
Date: Thursday, 21 March 2024
Kickoff time: 9 pm (Nigerian time)