Nigeria, Ghana renew cricket rivalry in winner takes all clash
After losing the only game of the ongoing International Cricket Council World T2O Africa ‘A’ qualifier against bitter rivals Ghana on Tuesday, all is now set for the final day today as Nigeria Cricket National Team A.K.A (Yellow Green) looks to revenge the painful 7 wicket loss on Match Day 3 while their Ghanaian counterparts are ready to complete a double over the host to confirm their supremacy.
Nigeria versus Ghana match at any level and any sport would always be feisty and the game which the Nigerian cricket team lost on Tuesday was nothing short of action up until the final over that handed victory to the Coach Kodam Kofi Anafie tutored side.
Speaking ahead of the deciding game Captain Micheal Isaac Aboagye, was grateful to his entire team for the superlative performance they have put up throughout this tournament which is a clear indication of how their cricket has evolved.
“Before we came to Nigeria we had an unanimous decision of winning the competition as well as go unbeaten and we would not soft pedal until victory is assured.
Coach of Nigerian Cricket National Team, Uthe Ogbimi, felt disappointed that they allowed the Ghanaians to currently hold the aces after Tuesday’s loss but they World champion Lucas Matthysse has vowed a fight “to the death” in his July title defence against Manny Pacquiao, calling the Philippine boxing star “past his prime”.
But the 35-yearold Argentine - who took the vacant World Boxing Association welterweight title in January - said it was still a “dream-come-true” and “an honour” to face Pacquiao, winner of eight unprecedented world titles in different weight classes.
“Obviously he is still a very great fighter but since the knockout of Marquez, I think he is not the same fighter anymore,” Matthysse said at a joint news conference in Manila, referring to the Filipino’s sensational 2012 knockout loss to have forgotten about it and all focus is geared towards gaining revenge against their opponent in what is tagged “Win or Bust”.
“The Nigerian Cricket Federation has provided all we need to excel at this tournament and all we can do to compensate the great efforts put in by the NCF Board in organizing this competition is to win it and in doing so we have to avenge the 1st leg loss against Ghana so as to bring back believe to our teeming fans that have supported us all the way”.
Going into today’s match players to watch out from Ghana include: Micheal Isaac Aboagye (Captain), Julius HorlaliMensah (Wicket Keeper), Peter Ananya, James Vifah, Rexford Bakum, David Ankrah, Kofi Bagabena, Awe Awiah, Simon & Vincent Ateak.
Nigerian players expected to be on parade are: ChimezieOnwuzulike (Captain), Joshua Ayannaike (Wicket Keeper), AdemolaOnikoyi, DotunOlatunji, SaheedAkolade, Isaac Okpe, Shola Anyia, SulaimonRunsewe, Taiwo Mohammed, Bimbo Adu, Sylvester Okpe&SeyeOlympio.
Based on this star cast that would be on parade for their respective teams and the huge importance attached to this fixture there is no gain saying that cricket fans are in for Superb Bowling, Inspired Batting, Exquisite Wicket Keeping and eyepopping catches.
Matthysse vows fight ‘to the death’ against Pacquiao
Juan Manuel Marquez.
Pacquiao, 39, will fight Matthysse for the WBA welterweight belt on July 15 in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur.
The Filipino has 59 wins with 38 knockouts in his career, and is currently a senator in the Philippine parliament. Many in the country believe he will one day run for president, but Pacquiao has insisted that he is happier in the ring than in politics.
But Matthysse who has 39 wins with 36 knockouts in 43 matches - said he was not fazed by the status of his opponent.
“Sure, Manny has won so many titles... I (have) only won one title. I am not going to give it up. I will die for it if I have to,” he said.
“I will defend this title to the death.”