Three-time African champions Nigeria and four-time champions Ghana will reignite one of African football’s fiercest rivalries today as they face off in the second semi-final of the Unity Cup Invitational Tournament in London.
The highly anticipated encounter, taking place at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, carries immense sporting and cultural significance, with both nations boasting passionate diasporas in the UK.
Their 74-year rivalry has produced thrilling and often emotional battles. While Ghana has historically edged the fixture, both sides have suffered painful defeats that have felt like national heartbreaks.
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The Super Eagles will be buoyed by their 2-1 victory over the Black Stars in Marrakech in March 2023 — their first win in 18 years. Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman scored the goals in that friendly, ending a drought that stretched back to Nigeria’s 1-0 triumph at the 2006 AFCON in Egypt, courtesy of a Taye Taiwo thunderbolt.
Ghana, however, holds the bragging rights for the most dominant win between the two — a 7-0 demolition in a Jalco Cup tie in Accra in 1955. The Black Stars also beat Nigeria 4-1 the last time both sides met at Brentford in a friendly in 2007, and knocked the Super Eagles out of contention for the 2022 FIFA World Cup on away goals.
Yet Nigeria has enjoyed its moments of triumph — including a 3-0 thumping of Ghana in Port Harcourt to seal a spot at the 2002 World Cup and eliminating Ghana in the 1984 AFCON.
For today’s showdown, Nigeria’s Head Coach Eric Chelle has assembled a squad blending local and Europe-based talents. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is likely to start, with defensive options including Semi Ajayi, Felix Agu, Sodiq Ismaila, and Bruno Onyemaechi. In midfield, Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi headline a strong unit, while the attack is bolstered by Ahmed Musa, Simon Moses, Cyriel Dessers, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Samuel Chukwueze. Belgium Pro League top scorer Tolu Arokodare was expected to join late.
The 2024 Unity Cup marks the tournament’s return after a 21-year hiatus. Originally held in 2004, it featured Nigeria, Jamaica, and the Republic of Ireland. Nigeria won that edition after victories over Ireland (3-0) and Jamaica (2-0), with Obafemi Martins and John Utaka among the scorers.
This year’s edition features Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago — all aiming to lift the Unity Cup and reignite friendly rivalries on British soil.
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