THE camp of the Black Stars came alive immediately after the Super Eagles defeat of Cote d’Ivoire at the quarterfinal of the on-going South Africa 2013 CAF Nations Cup because the Ghanaians saw the Elephants as their toughest opponent in the race to the trophy.

The Black Stars will on Wednesday take on Burkina Faso in the first semifinal of the competition, while Nigeria meets with Mali in the other match of the day.

An excited member of the Black Stars contingent, who pleaded anonymity, said meeting with Nigeria in the final was the better option ‘because we know how to handle your Eagles.’

Saying that he was not under-rating Nigeria, he was of the opinion that the rivalry between both countries would rouse his players to give their best in the game, adding, “When we are in top gear Nigeria cannot stop us.”

He added: “We have had the upper hand against Nigeria in our recent encounters and I pray that we meet again in the final.

“It is not as if we were afraid of Cote d’Ivoire, but I think Nigeria will be an easier opponent. Make no mistake about it, Nigeria did extremely well against Cote d’Ivoire, but the Ivoiriens have themselves to blame because they were complacent.

“That would not happen if we meet Nigeria,” he boasted.


Ghana arrived in Nelspruit Monday afternoon and was expected to train in the evening in preparation for its semifinal against Burkina Faso Wednesday at the Mbombela Stadium.

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=112500:ghanaians-thank-eagles-for-elephants-fall-now-sure-of-trophy&catid=59:home&Itemid=620

Abeg, let them first cross the hurdles against Burkina Faso before thinking of playing Nigeria in the final. Loud mouthed, empty barrel set of people!