Ghana will win, and that's not just my heart speaking, we have the players and the men needed Abedi Pele Ayew

"We have the men who will stand up and be counted on the day - that's where we have the edge," Ayew told BBC Sport.

Nigeria take on the hosts in Accra on Sunday with history on their side after a decade of dominance in big events.

However, Ayew is not worried: "Nigeria have doubts. They stumbled against Mali and Ivory Coast and they will again."

Interview: Abedi Pele Ayew

Ayew knows all about the pressure surrounding the clash of these two powerhouses of African football.

The three-time African Player of the Year and former captain of Ghana helped his side to an epic victory over the Super Eagles in the semi-finals of the 1992 Nations Cup.

An inspirational performance and goal from the man dubbed 'Pele' led the Black Stars to a 2-1 victory after they had gone behind early in the first half.

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And this time round, Ayew feels the result will be the same: "When Ghana take to the field, in front of the home fans in Accra, the result can only be a Black Stars win.

"Ghana will win, and that's not just my heart speaking, we have the players and the men needed."

Ayew added that the rivalry between the two nations will heighten the drama and quality of the game.

"The rivalry has always been there because we are neighbours, especially in football," he said.

"We were made independent as a country before Nigeria. They are a big country in terms of population whereas Ghana is very small and we have won more African titles than them.

"The rivalry starts between Nigerians and Ghanaians at school and continues all the way to the biggest stage.

Abedi Pele in action for his country in the 1996 Nations Cup

"All of these factors create the atmosphere and help to make ties like these wonderful games."

Ayew was suspended for the 1992 final, having picked up his second yellow card of the tournament against Nigeria, and could only watch from the sidelines as Ghana lost to Ivory Coast on penalties.

But the former attacking midfielder, 43, is not bitter about missing out because of suspension, saying west-coast derbies are always tempestuous affairs.

"We want to play the game in a competitive manner but we are friends again when the final whistle is blown," he said.

The first quarter-final match of the Africa Cup of Nations, between Ghana and Nigeria, kicks off at 1700GMT in Accra on 3 February.