Black Satellites of Ghana head coach Maxwell Konadu has said his team is motivated ahead of their 2026 WAFU B U-20 qualifiers opening match because they will face Flying Eagles of Nigeria, completesports.com reports.
The much-anticipated encounter at the Lycée Scientifique Stadium rekindles one of West African football’s fiercest rivalries, with the Black Satellites eager to make a winning start and avenge their 2-1 defeat to the Flying Eagles in the final of the last edition in Lomé, Togo.
Addressing the media at Sunday’s pre-match press conference (via ghanafa.org) , Konadu expects emotions and national pride to fuel both teams in what promises to be another memorable chapter in the historic rivalry.
“We’re motivated because it’s Nigeria, and they will also be motivated because they are playing Ghana. Matches between these two nations—we all know what they mean. I think the best team will carry the day.”
Konadu acknowledged the magnitude of the fixture but expressed confidence in his team’s preparations and readiness for the challenge.
“I think we’ve prepared enough. The boys are ready. We played a couple of friendly games before coming here and I think the boys are ready for the impending assignment ahead of us.”
He highlighted Nigeria’s physical and aggressive style of play, revealing that Ghana’s approach will focus on tactical discipline.
“Nigeria has always been aggressive, which we’re aware of. Let’s see how our boys respond to that. Maybe we have to circulate the ball a bit. We’ll try to think before they act, and I think that will be one of the key areas we have to exploit.”
He concluded by stressing the challenge that comes with facing the reigning champions but made it clear that Ghana is determined to end Nigeria’s reign.
“We know Nigeria are the defending champions and we have to work even harder to dethrone them.”
By James Agberebi
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