WC Q — Jollof Derby: Nigeria Lack Ingredients As Partey Brings The Spice

An incapacitated Nigeria after a draw against Ghana, is experiencing new low, missing out on the trip to Qatar.

Ghana poked their noses on Nigerian soil and snatched a qualification to Qatar in the backyard of their old frenemies in the so called Jellof derby.

It happened in a packed house at the Abuja stadium, as many came to watch the enthralling game between the Black Stars and the Super Eagles.

After ten minutes of play, it was Ghana who struck first through Thomas Partey. On a pass from Gideon Mensah, the Arsenal midfielder opened the scoring in favor of his Black Stars. In all truth, Uzoho should have done better, as the shot passed underneath his arm.

Ghana looked the better of the two teams, as Nigeria scrambled to cancel out the away goal.

It didn’t however take long for the Super Eagles to get back in contention despite doing so under lots of duress. Twelve minutes after conceding the opener, a penalty was called against the Black Stars.

William Troost-Ekong took responsibility and converted, putting the tie all square, but Nigeria needed another.

Nigeria further had few moments of their own, including a goal that was ruled out by a marginal off-site from Victor Osimhen at the 36th minute.

Noticing he had the edge, coach Addo did some key substitutions in the second half, bringing in players like: Kwasi Okyere, Bukari, Owusu and Yiadom.

It helped neutralize Nigeria who didn’t manage to create enough opportunities.

It is a wonderful return to the big time for Ghana who missed the last World Cup in Russia four years ago. For the first time since 2006, Nigeria will not participate in the World Cup in Qatar. It is a big disappointment for the troops of Augustine Eguavoen who wanted to catch up with their dismal AFCON earlier in Cameroon this year, where they were eliminated by Tunisia (1-0) in the round of 16.