Ghana coach Yusif Basigi has set his sights on three points as they clash with rivals Nigeria at the 2016 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon on Wednesday.
The Black Queens are set to face the Super Falcons at the Limbe Stadium, three days after a hard-fought 3-1 win over Kenya in the group opener.
Nigeria, meanwhile, thrashed Mali 6-0, making clear their intentions for the tournament.
“The most important thing is the three points,” Basigi said at the pre-match presser.
“We are not here to play good and lose in the end. Against Nigeria, it will be a different game and matches between the two teams are always unpredictable.
“The scoreline of the first match doesn’t matter. If Nigeria beat Mali 6-0, we could have also beaten Mali by 6-0 or more. The three points is what we aspire for, and after we can strategize for the next game.”
Still chasing their first gold at the biennial competition, Ghana have thrice played Nigeria in the grand final of the championship – 1998, 2002 and 2006.
“I have psyched the players and prepared their mind and they are poised for the match,” Basigi added.
“They are relaxed and will be battle ready.
“The stadium will be red, yellow and green [Ghana colours] and green, white and green [Nigeria colours]. It will be interesting.
“Just as we have Ghanaians here [in Limbe], there are Nigerians too. Our fans have promised us that they will storm the stadium in their numbers to cheer the team to victory.”
Ghana captain Elizabeth Addo added: “We are very prepared. The Nigerians know us well and we know them too.
“We are not under pressure. It is just a normal game and we are going to have fun. Having played in Nigeria before [for River Angels], I know most of the Nigerian players and they know my abilities too.
“For us, all we need is victory. There is always a first time. Ghana have reached the final on three previous occasions and lost to Nigeria each time. Who knows? We can make history this time.”
Ghana are making their ninth appearance at the competition.
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