As Ghana’s Black Galaxies prepare to face Nigeria in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) playoffs, head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has emphasized his team’s focus on preparation rather than the historic rivalry between the two nations.

The two-legged playoff kicks off on Sunday, December 22, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the return leg scheduled for Saturday, December 28, at Nigeria’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium. The winner will secure a spot in the CHAN tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania next year.

Speaking to CAFOnline, Dramani acknowledged the weight of the rivalry but stressed that his team is channeling its energy toward tactical, technical, and psychological readiness.

“We focus on the team rather than the rivalry. While we respect the history, we are more concerned with our technical, tactical, and psychological preparation,” he said.

The coach also addressed the importance of managing pressure and fostering teamwork.

“We remind the players to channel the pressure positively, emphasizing collective performance over individual efforts,” Dramani added. “This is their moment to write history. The rivalry is a backdrop, but the focus remains on executing our game plan. We emphasize professionalism and staying composed under pressure.”

Ghana and Nigeria faced off in the CHAN qualifiers two years ago, with the Black Galaxies emerging victorious on penalties to book their spot in the tournament. Although they exited in the quarterfinals that year, Dramani’s team is determined to take the next step this time around.

With the stakes high and a spot in CHAN 2024 on the line, the Black Galaxies aim to rise above the rivalry and deliver a disciplined performance.