Victor Osimhen, Thomas Partey feature in Nigeria-Ghana combined XI

Nigeria's historical rivalry against their West African neighbours, Ghana, takes centre stage over the next seven days. 

The Super Eagles' rivalry with Ghana dates back to the 1950s, and the latest instalment will see the two sides battle for a World Cup ticket. 

The two countries will battle it out across two legs for a chance to play at the Qatar 2022 World Cup later this year. 

Both countries have named their squad, although Ghana only released their list three days before the match. 

Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen has called up 25 players for the encounter but will have to do without Wilfred Ndidi. 

Meanwhile, his compatriot, Ghana coach Otto Addo, has invited 27 players for the game.

Both squads have some quality players, and as a result, we draw up a combined XI from both teams. 

The goalkeeping position is not really the strength of both teams, with a limited pool of players to choose from.

Nigeria, though, have Maduka Okoye, who plays for Sparta Rotterdam in the Netherlands. 

Okoye would have been the obvious pick, but with the 22-year-old out, Ghana's reserve goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi takes his place in goal.

Ati Zigi is behind Joe Wollacott in the pecking order in Ghana's squad, but he gets the edge ahead of Wollacott because he plays in the Swiss Super League. 

He has conceded 49 goals in 27 league games for St. Gallen, which does not help his profile. 

However, Wollacott has not fared any better, conceding 41 goals in 33 league games for Swindon Town in England's League Two. 

Although he has not played for Nigeria, and it will not change against Ghana, Calvin Bassey has been arguably Nigeria's best defender this season. 

He has played in different positions in the defence for Rangers this season and has not put a foot wrong. 

Bassey has outshined William Troost-Ekong, who has struggled at Watford this season. 

Meanwhile, his Rangers teammate Leon Balogun has not done enough to be selected. 

Alexander Djiku partners Bassey in the heart of the defence.  The 27-year-old is one of Ghana's best players and one of the few Ghanaians that play in Europe's top five leagues. 

He has been a constant fixture in Strasbourg's team this season, making 23 league appearances for them. 

Daniel Amartey slots in as right-back ahead of Ola Aina.  Aina was one of Nigeria's best performers at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, but he has not played for Torino since he returned to the club. 

In contrast, Amartey has been a valuable asset for the injury-hit Leicester City. 

Although he plays primarily as a centre-back, Amartey also functions as a fullback. 

Zaidu Sanusi is the obvious choice for the left-back position. The 24-year-old's place in Porto's team was under threat at the beginning of the season following the arrival of Wendell. 

However, he has been able to win the battle, making 31 appearances in all competitions for the Dragons. 

With Ndidi out, Thomas Partey slots in as the defensive midfielder.  Partey is Ghana's biggest player, and his performance will be key across the two legs. 

He started the season slowly at Arsenal after joining from Atletico Madrid, but he has finally settled in at the Emirates. 

Partey has played a major role in Arsenal's resurgence, winning the Gunners February player of the month. 

The 28-year-old's composure and calmness on the ball will be key for Ghana in the midfield battle in the two games. 

Joe Aribo partners with Partey in the midfield. Aribo has been vital to Rangers quest to retain their Scottish Premiership title. 

Although his form has dipped in recent weeks, he has been arguably the best player in the Scottish top-flight this season. 

It is why he has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs. Although he may not be the typical creative midfielder, his ability to keep things simple and get into goalscoring positions make him special. 

Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is the obvious choice even though he plays in Germany's second division. 

Kyereh has been crucial to St Pauli's quest for promotion to the German Bundesliga. 

The Neighbourhood Kickers currently sit top of the Bundesliga two table, with Kyereh playing a vital role in their position on the table. 

The 26-year-old has scored ten goals and recorded the same number of assists in 27 league games for the club this season. 

Moses Simon's performances at the AFCON and with Nantes makes him an easy choice. 

Simon was Nigeria's best player at the AFCON and has been Nantes' top man this season with seven assists and three goals in 24 league games this season. 

Emmanuel Dennis was not at the AFCON, but he gets into the team based on his performance for Watford this season. 

Dennis has contributed nine goals and five assists in his debut campaign in the English Premier League. 

And it is important to note that he has delivered these numbers playing for a Watford side currently battling relegation. 

Victor Osimhen completes an attacking sweep for Nigeria. The 23-year-old is one of the best strikers in the world right now, so he easily slots into the role. 

With 11 goals in 20 league games for Napoli, Super Eagles' hopes rest on the goalscoring boots of the 23-year-old.