Friday willl witness the latest installment of the Nigeria vs Ghana rivalry as the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Blacks Stars of Ghana clash in an international friendly match in Morocco. While the stakes are relatively low, both teams have an eye on the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers billed for June.
The Super Eagles have not beaten the Black Stars in an official match since a 1-0 win at the AFCON in Egypt 18 years ago and the last international friendly between these two teams was in 2011 in London and the game ended goalless.
The Super Eagles, with only two points from a possible six in their first two matches in the qualifiers, will tackle South Africa before squaring up to the Cheetahs of Benin Republic who is being coached by the team's former handler Gernot Rohr away from home while the Black Stars of Ghana, with three points from beating Madagascar and losing away to Comoros, are up against the Eagles of Mali away from home as well before hosting Central African Republic in their next round of qualifiers.
During this international window, the Super Eagles will also play Mali while the Black Stars will be up against Uganda next Tuesday in Marrakech, Morocco.
Coach ‘George of the Eagles’ wants to emerge victorious
As the highly anticipated Nigeria vs Ghana clash looms on the horizon, interim coach Finidi George has exuded confidence in his team's preparedness.
“The team is ready, they understand what's at stake. The age-old rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana serves as an additional motivation for the players. We're good to go, the guys are ready, they know what's at stake, and we just want to have a good game on Friday, hopefully with God being on our side we will win it.”
When questioned about his tactical approach, Finidi emphasized continuity with a hint of adaptation.
“We're not changing much, just incorporating a few elements to aid the players,” said the current gaffer of NPFL side Enyimba FC, while stating that the players would be more focused on tactical precision and aiming to regain possession swiftly against the Ghanaians.
Regarding the team captaincy, Finidi hinted at two likely candidates. “Ndidi or Kelechi are there,” he stated, affirming a wealth of leadership within the squad.
Addressing the concerns of Nigerian fans eagerly awaiting the showdown, Finidi offered reassurance.
“We're determined to emerge victorious, with the high spirits in the camp, we'll do the needful”.
Who wins the Nigeria vs Ghana ‘Jollof Derby’?
The Nigeria-Ghana clash isn't just about football; it symbolizes a deep-seated rivalry and cultural pride. Termed the ‘Jollof derby' on social media, it encapsulates the intense passion shared between the two nations.
Only on Thursday night at the Cape Coast stadium, the Black Princesses of Ghana came from behind to beat their Nigerian counterparts in the final of the ongoing African Games in Ghana by 2-1 after extra time, handing over the bragging rights to the nation whose passion for the game is unrivaled less than 24 hours to kickoff in Morocco.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, anticipation has reached a fever pitch. Both teams brace themselves for the monumental encounter, knowing that beyond the football field, a nation's pride hangs in the balance.
