Awaziem explains why Super Eagles had to perform at their peak against Ghana, looks ahead to Mali clash 

Chidozie Awaziem was delighted with the Super Eagles win over Ghana in an international friendly on Friday evening and underlined that they had to perform at their peak because of the rivalry that exists between both nations

The Super Eagles had not beaten Ghana in eighteen years before yesterday's victory at Stade de Marrakech, courtesy of goals from Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman before Jordan Ayew halved the deficit from the spot in stoppage time.

Awaziem was a bit-part player for the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, logging only one minute during the competition in Ivory Coast and could not feature in the showpiece due to illness. 

The Porto-reared defender has been a Super Eagles player for around seven years having made his debut in a friendly against Togo in June 2017 and has contributed to moving Nigeria football forward.

Interim Nigeria boss Finidi George went old school in the friendly versus Ghana, setting up his team in a 3-5-2 formation, with Awaziem forming part of a back three alongside newbie Benjamin Tanimu and Semi Ajayi.

"It was a good outcome for the Super Eagles. We know the importance of the game, the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana so we prepared, came all out," Awaziem said to Victor Modo.

"It was a good preparation game for us. The victory keeps our mentality stronger so we focus now on the next game against Mali.

"I'm happy to be part of this team because I want to help my country, I want to represent my country and also to help my career as well.

"I have been with this team for a long time so we know the feeling to be in the national team and it was a good outcome for us. I am very happy to be among the guys because everyone is so professional and wonderful players."

On what Nigerians should expect against Mali, he said: "The same outcome against Ghana. We're coming back stronger and try to correct our mistakes that we did in this game so we can get a stronger and better team."

Awaziem came through the friendly unscathed and the Boavista man is in contention to add to his 32 international caps in Tuesday's game against Mali's Eagles. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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