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Soccer News of Saturday, 2 February 2002

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Pele warns 'euphoric' Ghana before Nigeria test

Abedi Pele has warned the black stars to forget the euphoria of their dramatic victory over Burkina Faso.

"The most important thing to remember is that we played very, very badly," said the former Marseille star ahead of the African Nations Cup quarter-final against Nigeria.

The Black Stars looked to be on their way out of the competition before two late goals from substitute Isaac Boakye gave them the three points they needed to reach the last eight.

But Pele warned that they must improve significantly if they are to have any chance of ousting the favourites.

"We have to make a number of corrections," he said. "In football you can have a terrible day. We conceded a goal, but God was on our side and the wind turned the other way."

He added that facing neighbours Nigeria made the quarter-final all the more special. "They are our rivals," he said. "We have played them often and everybody will be looking forward to it.

"Both sides will go to the ground expecting to win. We will try to do our best in the game and hopefully come through. I am looking to a wonderful game, but we also need a wonderful performance."