Nigeria striker Victor Boniface took to social media to playfully tease his Ghanaian friend after the Super Eagles secured their first victory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) after beating hosts Ivory Coast 1-0 on Thursday at the Allasane Ouattara Stadium.
This year's competition is officially named AFCON 2023 since it was initially scheduled to take place last year but was postponed until January-February 2024.
Nigeria and Ghana share a longstanding rivalry across various aspects of life, with football being a significant focal point.
Boniface shoots friendly fire
Despite missing the tournament due to injury and currently recovering in Germany after a successful operation, Boniface engaged in good-natured banter with his friend Kwadwo Sheldon, a well-known Ghanaian YouTuber.
The exchange occurred on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
He taunted Sheldon in Pidgin (a localised version of English which is popular in Nigeria and West Africa), saying, “Oh Ghanaians, una better win today if not na today una go explain give the world how pastor turns paster.”
This translates to; Oh Ghanaians, you better win today and if you don’t, today will be the day you explain to the world how pastor became paster, in reference to the difference in pronunciation of ‘Pastor’ among Nigerians and Ghanaians.
He then followed it up with more posts to Sheldon after the Egypt vs Ghana, game as the banter went back and forth in a good nature.
It appears that he threw down the gauntlet at Sheldon and, by extension, Ghana. As events unfolded, the Black Stars found themselves compelled to a draw by Egypt, who twice came from behind and an injury to talisman Mohamed Salah.
Nigerians resume the jollof wars
Boniface wasn't the sole participant in the social media banter with Ghana.
Numerous Nigerians, including Super Falcons and Barcelona Femini striker Asisat Oshoala, were also on X, teasing and taunting Ghanaians.
They indicated that there would be social media wars if Ghana lost or drew against Egypt.
Despite the fact that the Black Stars didn't lose, the draw with Egypt remained a significant talking point for many Nigerians on social media.
Ghana on rough stones at AFCON 2024
While Ghana will need a win in their last group game to proceed to the next round, Nigeria just need a draw against Guinea-Bissau, who, with two losses, are effectively out of the tournament.
Knowing how the tables can turn in football, it is left to see how much of the Ghana and Nigeria social media banter will pan out.
However, one thing is certain: as far as the tournament goes on, the banter will always continue between players and fans alike.
