World Cup 2022 Playoffs: Ghana High Commissioner Visits Nigerian Sports Minister Ahead Of Clash To Assure of Warm Reception in Kumasi

Ghana high commissioner Rashid Bawa visited Nigeria on Wednesday to assure Sports Minister Sunday Dare of a hitch free World Cup 2022 first leg playoff in Kumasi between both countries later in March.

Mr Dare and the Ghana High Commissioner Bawa gave players and fans these assurances in Abuja during the visit.

During the courtesy visit, they also deliberate on areas of interest as the dates for the crucial playoff games draw closer.

The Sports minister said Nigeria would continue to maintain the long standing relationship with Ghana and the tension around the playoff games will in no way jeopardize it.

In Mr Dare's words, "These games should be seen as sports where there is the possibility of winning as there is of losing. We need to demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship. We must not seen the games as a do or die affair but rather as an avenue to further strengthen the bond that exists already between us.

"This administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has identified sports as a tool for promoting unity and peace, not only within Nigeria but across the World so you can be assured of our hospitality and large heartedness," the Minister added.

The Ghana High Commissioner emphasized that the playoffs would not divide the two countries' long standing relationship, collaborations and friendliness exist when he said the chartered flight that will airlift the Nigerian contingent to Kumasi in Ghana will be given a landing permit without hassles and the team would be given all the cooperation needed for easy passage into Ghana and during the period of their stay.

He also revealed that five percent of the total tickets for the match at the 40,000 seater Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi will be given as complementary tickets to the Nigerian contingent.

After the visit, Mr Dare thanked Mr Bawa for the gesture and promised that Nigeria will reciprocate this hospitality ahead of the return leg in Abuja on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

Dare assured that all the logistics to ensure a successful hosting of the game in Abuja have been put in place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Complex, Abuja.