It is the final before the finals. When the Black Stars of Ghana take the velvet green turf at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium tomorrow against Nigeria's Super Eagles, it is going to be the biggest fixture in the entire programme of the 26th MTN African Cup of Nations. Without disrespect to the rest of the continent's elite national teams, a Ghana-Nigeria confrontation is the biggest thing in African football. It is a shame that one of the continent's most expressive national teams would have to end their campaign by 7 p.m. on Sunday. That is why both camps are talking tough ahead of the contest. After 'getting out of jail' following Mali's strange collapse against Cote d'Ivoire, a highly elated Austin Eguavoen, Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles threw down the gauntlet. Read his lips: "We have the game plan that will ensure that we prick the eyes of the Stars to gather enough clouds to cover their glitter," the former Nigerian international, now assistant to Berti Vogts is reported to have said. He claimed Nigeria, currently ranked the leading team in Africa, were well motivated to deal with the threat posed by the Black Stars. "We have much respect for the Black Stars and we know it is not going to be easy but we are sure that we will sail through and Ghana should be ready for us." John Mikel Obi, who will control the midfield for Nigeria said the biggest joy was qualifying for the quarter-finals. "I know what Ghana is made of and I can assure you that it is going to be difficult, but we will emerge the victors that day and do everything possible to justify our inclusion in the last four and win the cup." Nigerian officials have raised the stakes with a fantastic increase in the winning bonus of the Eagles. From $9,000 a match, each Eagle player is now guaranteed $15,000 if they could beat the Black Stars. But that, according to Ghanaian officials and players, pales into insignificance against the determination of the Black Stars to fol¬low Tunisia and Egypt in the 'host and win' formula currently doing the rounds in the African championship. So determined are the Black Stars to succeed that Coach Claude Le Roy banned Michael Essien from travelling to Lome for the African Footballer of the Year award scheduled to have taken place in the Togolese capital last night. The Black Stars are taking their tutorials for the clash of Titans at the Fiesta Royale Hotel at Djorwulu in Accra with head coach Le Roy plotting the downfall of the Eagles. Records indicate that Ghana and Nigeria have faced each other 59 times in association football. Ghana has 24 wins to Nigeria's 16. 19 matches have ended in a draw. The 60th encounter is the battle of wits scheduled at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra, tomorrow. The outcome of this encounter will reverberate in the world of association football. Apart from giving an indication about the possible winner of the 26th African Cup of Nations, it will bring untold joy to nationals of the victorious national team. Head to head, the two teams have some of the most outstanding footballers in the African game. The Eagles will depend on John Mikel Obi to direct the midfield. The supply line from the right wing will be affected with the suspension of Osaze Odemwinge. But there are quality players in John Utaka ,Uche Ikechukwu and Danny Shittu in the midfield to keep the supply lines to Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obafemi Martins or Nwankwo Kanu in the striking role. The Black Stars should be wary of the lethal left foot of Teye Taiwo in dead ball situations. Anytime he is on the ball, someone must be with him. His left foot could be lethal when left alone. It was Taiwo's left foot that undermined Ghana's participation in the 25th African Cup of Nations championship in Egypt. One weakness about the Nigerian defence is the right side. Against both Cote d'Ivoire and Mali, it leaked badly. Claude Le Roy should keep faith with the same Black Star line-up that kept the Atlas Lions of Morocco so mute the other day. It means, Ghanaians should expect, Richard Kingson in goal, shielded by Hans Adu Sarpei, John Paintsil, John Mensah and Eric Addo. The Ghanaian midfield, one of the best in the global game will be driven by Anthony Annan, Michael Essien, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and Sulley Muntari. Count on Asamoah Gyan and Manuel Junior Agogo to lead the frontline with efficiency. The stakes are high. But Ghanaians are in no mood to countenance any other result than the defeat of Nigeria and the clipping of the wings of the so-called Super Eagles. Forward with the Black Stars! Source: Ebo Quansah/The Ghanaian Times