PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria, July 28 -- Ghana's Black Stars flew into Port Harcourt 48 hours later than intended, missing three key players: Charles Amoah, Emmanuel Duah and the injured Stephen Appiah.

But assistant coach Francis Oki-Aketeng said there was no question of Ghana giving in meekly on Sunday. "It's fair play for FIFA. We're playing for pride and against all odds we'll do our best."

Oki-Aketeng accepted their World Cup qualifying campaign had been a disappointment.

"Somewhere along the way, we slipped up. But we're finishing with new momentum and we want that to continue here". Skipper Mohammed Gargo also ruled out any capitulation. "Let me tell you the match is very important for Ghanaians". Playing for Pride

"Ghanaians want to keep their reputation and they never want to see themselves being beaten by Nigerians. Nigerians feel the same. Of course, we've got nothing against Nigerians and Nigerians have got nothing against us, but when it's a question of football....".

Gargo acknowledges it would be good for African football to have the Super Eagles playing in Japan and South Korea. "It would be the third time for them. They need it, they deserve it, they'll go for it."

The Chairman of the Ghanaian Football Supporters, James Yalley, blamed "poor administration" for Ghana's early World Cup elimination. "Our heads of football didn't plan well", said Yalley. But he said a corner had been turned and Port Harcourt was part of Ghana's preparations for the next World Cup. "They shouldn't underrate us. We play anywhere without fear as Black Stars".

Yalley admitted he would be happy to see Nigeria in the World Cup. Ghanaian fans appear less-than-enthusiastic about the prospect of Liberia qualifying.

"The Liberians may be cousins to us, but the Nigerians are our brothers", said Yalley.