In March 2022, Alhaji Abdul Karim Gruzah, a prominent Management Committee Member of the Black Stars and bankroller of Kumasi King Faisal, expressed supreme confidence in Ghana’s ability to defeat Nigeria in the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff. Speaking to GNA Sports ahead of the first leg on March 25, 2022, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, Gruzah dismissed the importance of current form, emphasizing the fierce rivalry between the two nations. “Playing Nigeria is not about form, but the desire to earn the bragging rights. It is like when Hearts and Kotoko meet in a game, it goes beyond form,” he declared, likening the matchup to Ghana’s storied domestic clash between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.
The Stakes of the Jollof Derby
The Black Stars and Super Eagles were set to renew their intense West African rivalry in a two-leg playoff, with the winner securing one of Africa’s five spots at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The first leg in Kumasi would be followed by the return leg in Abuja on March 29, 2022. Gruzah, a seasoned football administrator known for his outspoken nature, underscored the emotional weight of the tie, suggesting that passion and pride would drive Ghana to triumph. His confidence reflected the high stakes of the Jollof Derby, a term coined for the competitive banter between Ghana and Nigeria over football and cultural supremacy.
Rallying Support for the Black Stars
As a key figure in Ghanaian football, Gruzah called on fans to offer unwavering support to the Black Stars under interim coach Otto Addo. “As a management committee member, I believe the team was doing their best to achieve success against Nigeria,” he told GNA Sports. He urged Ghanaians to rally behind the squad, emphasizing the importance of national unity in securing a ticket to Qatar. Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia heightened the urgency to return to the global stage, where they had previously shone, notably reaching the quarter-finals in 2010.
Team Dynamics and Challenges
The Black Stars faced challenges, including the absence of captain Andre Ayew, who was suspended for both legs due to a red card at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite this, players like Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, and Daniel Amartey were expected to lead the charge. Gruzah’s optimism suggested confidence in the squad’s preparation and mental fortitude, particularly at home, where the passionate Kumasi crowd at Baba Yara Stadium was expected to create an intimidating atmosphere for Nigeria. The Super Eagles, coached by Augustine Eguavoen, boasted talents like Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi, making the tie a closely contested battle.
Aiming for Qatar 2022
Ghana’s eventual qualification, achieved via a 1-1 aggregate draw and the away goals rule, validated Gruzah’s belief in the team’s ability to overcome Nigeria. His bold prediction highlighted the psychological edge Ghana sought to leverage in this historic rivalry. The victory secured Ghana’s place in Group H alongside Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea at the 2022 World Cup, fulfilling Gruzah’s call for a united push to reach the global showpiece.
