Today at the main bowl of the Nigerian National Stadium at Surulere in Lagos, the academicals soccer team selected from the schools and colleges in Ghana will lock horns with their Nigerian counterparts in a possible re- enactment of the rivalry that has existed between the two countries in all categories of football.

The two teams drew 1-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium last week in the first leg of their yearly confrontation, which is being sponsored by VALCO of Ghana and Shell, Nigerian.

The approach of the return clash would certainly put the young Ghanaian side on nerves as their predecessors suffered a 4-1 thumping at the hands of the Nigerians after the two teams had drawn in Accra in the first leg.

But coach Bashir Hayford (Bash) is optimistic that this new crop of players selected from last year's VALCO Schools Tournament and Milo School Championship would perform well to salvage their image in Lagos.

He attributed the team's erratic shooting upfront in last Saturday's game to the short period of camping and added that most of the boys had just finished school and were match-rusty.

Two years ago Ghana defeated the Nigerians 2-1 in Accra and managed a goalless draw in the return leg. That achievement should spur the boys to fight to the wire on Saturday.

The boys who are currently camping at the Winneba Sports College are determined to halt what is gradually becoming Nigerian dominance at the youth level- and certainly they are aware that it's going to be a difficult task.

Nigerian teams always take inspiration from their loyal fans who follow them, irrespective of the competition, to give the needed moral support with uninterrupted drumming and singing.

In fact, it was one of such supports that galvanised the Nigerians last Saturday to equalised after the Ghanaians had taken a first half lead.

Their brass band music overwhelmed the Ghanaians and created the impression that they (Ghanaians) were playing away from home.

The Ghanaians are scheduled to leave Accra on Thursday by road to Lagos and their ability to win Saturday's game would depend on how quickly the boys are able to recover from the stress of travelling that long distance.

But more important would be how coach Bash is able to eclipse the Nigerian wingers, Felix Orode and Ogochukwu Nwafor from sending in their dangerous crosses.

Many connoisseurs, after watching the first leg encounter, expressed the hope that with a little bit of focus especially upfront, the Ghanaians should be able to scale over the Nigerians in the return match.

Possible Line up for Ghana: Abuwaldan Shamadan, Emmanuel Yeboah, Abu Adams, Isaac Amadu Boduong, Aminu Mohammed, Charles Owusu Sekyere (captain), Richard Pobee, Frank Appiah, Nana Gyan Asamoah, Amunike Muftahu, Mohammed Fatawu.