Former Nigeria international Austin Okocha says the goalless draw played out by the Black Stars and the Super Eagles at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Friday evening was a fair result for both teams.
According to the former Super Eagles legend, they have all to play in the second leg in Abuja on Thursday.
Okocha applauded the Super Eagles for conserving their confidence on a hostile away ground.
“We couldn’t separate both teams because nobody wanted to lose,” Okocha said at the end of the game.
“No one wanted to go into the second leg of this tie chasing, so I think the result was a fair one; I think we (Nigeria) did a good job in front of the home crowd.
“We were totally dominated in terms of the support. I think we have given ourselves a good chance going into the second leg.”
And in front of a supportive Nigerian fan base, Okocha, arguably Nigeria’s greatest ever midfielder, believes a win over the Black Stars is non-negotiable for the Eagles.
“I think if we can’t win the second leg in Abuja, then we don’t have a reason to be at the World Cup,” he added.
“I don’t think there’s a better advantage than to win and qualify for the World Cup in front of the home fans.”
The return leg kicks off in Abuja on Tuesday, March 29, with the Super Eagles guaranteed a World Cup ticket with any manner of victory.
The Super Eagles have qualified for each of the last three editions of the World Cup. They could become only the second African team, after Cameroon, to make four consecutive appearances at the Mundial with a victory over Ghana in the second leg.