May 30: Ghana Vs. Nigeria

...Gambia Friendly Cancelled
Ghana would play Nigeria on May 30 in the opening match of the four-nation tournament in Nigeria. The Black Stars would be competing with African champions Cameroon, host Nigeria and Iran for 50,000 dollars in prize money from May 30 to June 1.

The winner of the Ghana-Nigeria match would play the winner of the Cameroon-Iran match in the final match of the LG sponsored competition. Black Stars coach Bukhard Ziese says the Nigeria match on May 30 would be vital for his preparation for the Ghana-Uganda African nations cup qualifier which could determine whether the Black Stars would make a seventh straight appearance at the nation’s cup.

"The match against Nigeria would be the most important prior to the Uganda match on in June. From now till then, I would be preparing for that game beacuse it is very important. I have spoken to a number of the country's foreign based players. I would take those of them who are available and other local based players", he said.

Ziese opted for the Nigeria assignment ahead of Gambia’s request for a friendly on May 24 because Ghana couldn’t raise teams for both assignments.

"Hearts and Kotoko play the return leg of their African cup matches on that weekend so it means I can't pick players from those teams. We had agreed on the Nigeria match so that is it. We can't take a weakened side to Gambia and get a hidding for that".