Chris Hughton, the Irish-Ghanaian coach who was named in the reconstituted technical team of the Black Stars, says Ghanaians must "remain calm and be positive about the team" ahead of Friday's encounter in Kumasi.

In a recorded address released yesterday,the 63-year-old Hughton -- a former manager of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest -- said the Black Stars had the "quality, desire and hunger to achieve the results" and it was their aim to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar and to make that dream a reality.

This moment represents an opportunity to write history and we are all committed to it -- for the players, technical staff, the Ghana Football Association and the government. We are Ghana and we are ready," promised the man tipped to take over the national team on a long-term contract after the World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Meanwhile, assistant ???coach Boateng??? has also expressed his confidence that the Black Stars are well placed to win the playoff to qualify for football's biggest gathering in Qatar later in the year.

In a recorded message released by the GFA yesterday ahead of the first leg match, Boateng -- a former Dutch international and currently the Under-23 coach of English side Aston Villa -- said the team will rise to the occasion against the star-studded Super Eagles and wantsGhanaians to rally behind the national team.

“Ghana is well placed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar and as a team, we are putting in place a solid plan to come out victorious. We respect Nigeria because they have good players, however, we also have some top quality players who are well capable of competing against Nigeria.

"We are much looking forward to add to our last three World Cup appearances and we know it is time. I will like to ask all Ghanaians to put their weight behind the team in this crucial moment,” added Boateng.