Ghana’s all-time top scorer expects the Black Stars to have a positive and strong mentality against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the big clash on Friday.
The two nations lock horns at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in the African qualifiers to the 2022 Fifa World Cup.
The two-legged tie will produce one of Africa’s five tickets for the tourney in Qatar.
Gyan, who scored Ghana’s winner in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal against Nigeria in Angola, says the key to winning the rivalry is a strong mentality.
“We are good rivals when it comes to Ghana vs Nigeria. Everyone wants to win,” he told 3Sports in an interview.
“This is a mental game but honestly when it comes to statistics on paper right now, I think Nigeria is ahead of Ghana.
“You cannot predict a Ghana-Nigeria match. The team with good mindset, preparation and does everything right can carry the day.”
Gyan remembers his good times against the Nigerians.
“I played 3 or 4 times against Nigeria. We drew once in a friendly and we won 3 times. Nigeria never beat us whiles I played for Ghana. Going into this game, it is all about the mindset.
“There are matches that you don’t need a coach. You just go into the game with positive energy and you will win.”
The former Ghana skipper concluded by wishing the Black Stars well and quashed any thoughts of retirement.
“I would have loved to be in a game like this but right now I am not playing so I just have to wish the Black Stars very good luck for this game.
“I have not retired yet. If I have to play actively, I just have to train and shed weight in about 3 months and then I can play. Age wise I’m very okay.”
The Ghana-Nigeria first-leg kicks off at 19:30 GMT on Friday, March 25.
