Ekoku: Nigeria lack spark

Cup competitions that last a few weeks allow you to ride your luck to a large extent and I think Nigeria have done that.

The Super Eagles won their final group game against Mozambique 3-0 but otherwise they were not convincing against Egypt and Benin, or the win over Zambia after a goalless draw and penalties. Their attacking play has been very patchy at best, but they have managed to get to the semis anyway.

I do have my doubts as to whether Nigeria can put together a solid 90 minutes, which I think is needed to beat Ghana and certainly to win against Egypt or Algeria in the final.

However, Ghana have been weakened by injuries to key players Michel Essien, John Pantsil, John Mensah and Stephen Appiah, and the decision to leave Sulley Muntari out for disciplinary reasons.

They do have some exciting young players in return but Nigeria have the edge in terms of experience and that could be the difference.

It is easy to pick out names that people are familiar with, but I genuinely think John Obi Mikel has been the most impressive performer in a Nigeria midfield not blessed with as much talent as previous teams.

The Chelsea man has come in for a lot of criticism in the Nigerian press but I think this has been unfair as he has performed well but has not been supported by his team-mates. Ayegbeni Yakubu has been particularly disappointing in their 4-3-3 formation which I do not think works with the players we have at our disposal.

Ghana have some exciting young players with something to prove, and who see this as a chance to get into the World Cup squad.

There is less pressure on them to succeed as they are young players of whom little was expected, but on the other hand there is the general pressure of a West African derby, which Nigeria have more experience of dealing with.

Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan is their key forward but he has blown hot and cold. The Black Stars have some exciting, energetic young players like Kwadwo Asamoah and Nigeria will have to keep up with them, but they lack a goal-scoring edge with only three goals in three games so far.

I fear a low-scoring game, extra-time and penalties.