It is now or never, do or die, swim or sink and cruise or crash as the second leg of the play-off of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup hold across Africa tonight.
At the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Black Stars of Ghana. The first leg, played last Friday at the Baba Yara Stadium ended goalless.
This score line means the Super Eagles must win to secure a mundial ticket while their opponents needed just a score draw to qualify because the away goals rule will apply.
The 60,000 capacity stadium is expected to be full as the Nigerian Football Federation in conjunction with the Sports Ministry has purchased 20,000 tickets to distribute to fans. Other individuals are doing same to ensure that the Super Eagles get all they support they need.
Busses will be available to take fans to and from the stadium.
Africa champions, the Terenga Lions of Senegal will host the Pharaohs of Egypt. The Egyptians secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg on Friday and will do all they can to protect this advantage.
However, the champions of Africa need to be in Qatar to proof that their conquering of Africa was not a fluke. To accomplish this, they must score at least two goals without conceding any.
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Eagles of Mali and Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo have an uphill task to accomplish as they lost their first leg at home to Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco by a lone goal respectively.
North Africa is a very hostile place to play matches of this magnitude for sub-Saharan teams.
It is the hope of African fans and fans of African football across the globe that the five teams that will emerge tonight will be worthy contenders in Qatar. At least African team need to get to the semi-finals or even win the World Cup.
