Ghana coach says timing of Nigeria friendly 'difficult' - Ghana national football coach, Goran Stevanovic, says the timing of Tuesday's international friendly match against Nigeria coming at the start of the European football season makes it difficult to have a full squad to select from. The Black Stars are set to play Nigeria in an international friendly at the Vicarage Road Stadium in London but the coach is not expected to have all his called up 19 players available, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) said on its website.

“I always want to call more players and see them. But it is a very difficult time to play a game with the (European) season having just started,” Stevanovic said.

“There is the pressure to field a good team always. Every game is important,” Stevanovic said.

Meanwhile, Stevanovic would be going into his first meeting against Nigeria very optimistic as he admits that he is aware of the rivalry that exists between both sides.

He told reporters in London on Monday that he wants his side to give 100 per cent on Tuesday.

“Nigeria is very important. Players must understand that they must not lose any game,” the Ghana coach said.

“For me, it’s an important game. They have great players and would be motivated, every team would be motivated to beat us. We would always play to win and score one goal more.'

“The result is always important and it’s important to improve and see more players,” he added.

Pana 09/08/2011