Ghana Task Coach Over Nigeria

Lagos - Ghana Football Association has finally moved to ensure that Black Stars qualify for the World Cup 2002 to be co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.

In a total war declared by the GFA to halt Ghana's jinx of not appearing in the world's most glamorous soccer fiesta, the FA have given Italian trainer Guisseppe Dossena a tall order to win a World Cup ticket or get out.

FA chairman, Alhaji Dauda Jawula in a rare fit of order has mandated the Italian Technical Adviser to halt Nigeria from picking the only ticket in their Group B which comprised Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan, Ghana and Nigeria.

"This is an opportunity which Ghana cannot toy with. It is an opportunity for Ghana to play in the World Cup. We cannot accept anything less than qualification for the World Cup. We are ready to support you with anything to realise this dream of all Ghanaians", the FA chairman was quoted as telling Dossena in the current edition of fast-selling African Soccer.

And to match words with actions, the FA chairman said that they would make available to him a consortium of ex-internationals and coaches to help him tinker an all-conquering team.

As part of their plans to qualify for their first World Cup, the Ghanaians were reported to be luring Sierra Leone to play all their home matches in Accra because of the ravaging war in Freetown.

"This is the chance of Ghana to play in the World Cup and for you to justify your $12,000 per month salary", Jawula told Dossena.