2022 World Cup Qualifiers: How Ghana could line up against Nigeria

Against Nigeria in Friday’s first leg, it was something of a surprise as Wollacott was maintained in the posts over Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who missed the recent Africa Cup of Nations finals due to injury. Following his good showing in Kumasi, another start for the England-based goalie will shock no one on Tuesday.

The former Belgium international was another unexpected face in Ghana’s XI at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. And just like Wollacott, a good showing has seemingly cemented his place for another start over Reading right-back Andy Yiadom.

In the absence of the injured Baba Rahman, Bordeaux left-back Mensah was highly tipped to play against Nigeria in the first leg, and so he did. His place in the line-up is not expected to change.

The Leicester City centre-back was a commanding presence in central defence against the Super Eagles on Friday. Only an injury could likely keep him out of the team on Tuesday.

France-born Djiku is expected to keep his place as Amartey’s partner in central defence, having impressed in the position.

The Real Mallorca defensive midfielder conceded a penalty on Friday but was lucky to see his general good showing on the day unmarred as the video assistant referee overruled the decision. That bodes well for him to make Otto Addo’s XI again.

Partey did not impress as much as he was expected in the first leg. But as team captain in the absence of the suspended Andre Ayew, and by his status as Ghana’s current biggest player in Europe, he is all but set to lead the Black Stars out again on Tuesday.

After a quiet first half in the first leg, the Ajax playmaker raised his game against the Super Eagles in the second half, and it appears as though he may have done enough to convince Addo for another starting role.

With new Sporting club signing Abdul Fatawu Issahaku failing to impress on Friday, Nantes attacker Bukari, who replaced the former in Kumasi, could be picked for the first XI this time around.

The Crystal Palace man was booed off the pitch in Kumasi but not even his disappointing performance is expected to relegate him to the bench for the Abuja showdown.

On his debut, Roma teenager Afena-Gyan did to give a bad account of himself on Friday. After overcoming a knock which resulted in his substitution, he is expected to lead the Black Stars attack again.