Ghana U-20 head coach Maxwell Konadu says the Black Satellites are fully prepared for Monday's blockbuster Group B clash against defending champions Nigeria at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The opening fixture at the Lycée Scientifique Stadium rekindles one of West Africa's fiercest football rivalries, with Ghana eager to avenge the 2-1 defeat to the Flying Eagles in the final of the previous edition in Lomé.
Speaking during Sunday's pre-match press conference, Konadu expressed confidence in his team's readiness after an encouraging build-up to the tournament.
"I think we've prepared enough. The boys are ready. We played a couple of friendly games before coming here, and I think the boys are ready for the impending assignment ahead of us," he said.
The former Asante Kotoko coach revealed that Ghana suffered an injury setback before travelling to Côte d'Ivoire, losing their first-choice defensive midfielder. However, he believes the squad has enough quality to cope with the absence.
"We made that correction at home before embarking on this trip. Our key and main defensive midfielder got hurt in training and couldn't make the trip. But we're building everybody for this job, and so we think we're okay even without him," Konadu explained.
Despite Nigeria entering the competition as defending champions, Konadu insisted his side possesses the quality and mentality to challenge the Flying Eagles.
"We are game-ready. We pose the same threat to our Nigerian brothers. Matches between these two nations are always top-liners. Everybody goes in with his full arsenal, trying to carry the day," he added.
Although Ghana's coaching staff have had limited opportunities to analyse Nigeria, Konadu remains convinced his players can rise to the occasion.
"We haven't seen their team yet, but we believe we have the boys who can go out there and defend the flag of Ghana."
The experienced tactician acknowledged the significance of the rivalry, stressing that both teams would be highly motivated.
"We're motivated because it's Nigeria, and they will also be motivated because they are playing Ghana. Matches between these two nations, we all know what they mean. I think the best team will carry the day."
Konadu also highlighted Nigeria's traditional physical and aggressive approach, revealing that Ghana plan to counter it through intelligent possession and composure.
"Nigeria has always been aggressive, which we're aware of. Let's see how our boys respond to that. Maybe we have to circulate the ball a bit. We'll try to think before they act, and I think that will be one of the key areas we have to exploit."
He concluded by acknowledging the challenge of facing the reigning champions while reiterating Ghana's determination to dethrone them.
"We know Nigeria are the defending champions and we have to work even harder to dethrone them."
Following the encounter with Nigeria, the Black Satellites will face Burkina Faso and Togo in their remaining Group B fixtures as they bid for a place in the knockout stage and qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. The WAFU B U-20 Championship also serves as the qualifying tournament for the continental competition.