Sarpong who is the technical director of a second-tier side, Akosombo Krystal Palace said so while speaking on a Ghana radio station recently
By Kehinde Okeowo
Legendary Ghanaian football coach J E Sarpong has urged Chris Hutton and Otto Addo to call up only the best Black Stars players for next month’s 2022 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.
The 76-year-old technical director of second-tier side Akosombo Krystal Palace said so while speaking on a popular Ghana radio station, Oyerepa FM.
The two West African neighbours and arch-rivals will clash in March for a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Nigeria and Ghana last faced each other in a 2022 World Cup qualifier, with the Super Eagles emerging victorious.
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Describing the double-header encounter as a tie that can be compared to a famous local derby in Ghana, the veteran coach said only the best players can win the game against Nigeria.
He went on to say apart from playing at the top level, the players must be fit and playing for their various clubs before they are invited.
Sarpong said, “A Ghana versus Nigeria game is just like [the domestic rivalry clash of] Hearts of Oak versus Asante Kotoko.
” We need to approach the match with all the best material available.
“Players playing in top leagues with good form should be those invited for the two-leg tie. No agency call-ups,”
The encounters were recently moved from March 24 and 27 to March 25 and 28 by CAF, Ghana will host the first leg while Nigeria will welcome the Black Stars three days later.