Ghana will be "fired up and ready" when they take on Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup, according to boss Claude Le Roy.The host nation is buzzing with excitement ahead of Sunday's West African derby, but it has become tinged with apprehension since the Nigerians pipped Mali for the second qualifying spot from their group.
After a less than impressive beginning to the competition, Berti Vogts' team managed to sneak into the last eight but his opposite number Le Roy believes his side can make life difficult for them once again.
"We are preparing well," he said. "After the performance in the last game, it will be difficult to beat us because my players are highly dedicated to the cause and have great team spirit.
"We are fired up and ready to meet any side.
"Nigeria are a very strong team but they have been having some difficulties - the atmosphere with them doesn't seem to be so good."
Striker Junior Agogo admits he and his team-mates cannot wait for the match against the Super Eagles.
"There's going to be a lot of passion, a lot of hard tackling. But we're ready, the boys are buzzing to get the game started."
Ghana have injury worries, though, with the Nottingham Forest forward one of several players facing a race against time to be fit.
Agogo, along with Asamoah Gyan (groin) and defender Nana Kwasi Asare (thigh), missed training on Friday and could give Le Roy a big problem up in attack.
Good news though is the return of midfielder Laryea Kingston, who should come back into the team in place of Anthony Annan after serving his one-match suspension.
Nigeria come into the game on the back of a great escape from Group B and have nothing to lose, but just plenty to play for.
The Super Eagles were done a huge favour by Ivory Coast, who beat Mali 3-0 in their final pool match, while they themselves managed to overcome Benin 2-0 to seal their place.
After a rocky tournament so far, midfielder Mikel Jon Obi believes anything can now happen come Sunday in Accra.
"Against Benin, we showed character and got the result we needed," he said. "All we have to do is to step it up against Ghana and we will be in the semi-finals.
"We can do this because we're a team for the big occasion."
Striker Peter Odemwinge has warned their critics to write them off at their own peril.
"We showed great mental strength," said Odemwinge. "We are now up against the host team and if we want to progress in this competition, we will have to beat them as well.
"Rule us out at your own risk."
Nigeria have been boosted on the injury front after it was revealed that Kanu has resumed training, while coach Vogts has everyone else fit for the game.
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