London is set for fireworks today as Nigeria and Ghana rekindle one of African football’s most iconic rivalries in the much-anticipated Unity Cup clash at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Billed as a friendly, the game between the Super Eagles and the Black Stars is anything but casual. Dubbed the Jollof Derby — a cheeky nod to the countries’ culinary rivalry — the fixture is steeped in decades of footballing drama, national pride, and bragging rights.
This year’s Unity Cup, returning after a 21-year hiatus, features four nations: Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. The Caribbean sides squared off on Tuesday, with the tournament culminating on Saturday in a final and third-place match.
Since their first meeting in 1950, when Ghana (then the Gold Coast) edged Nigeria 1-0, matches between the West African giants have been more than just football. They’ve represented political tensions, cultural competition, and regional supremacy.
Of their 58 encounters, Ghana led the head-to-head with 25 wins. However, Nigeria has enjoyed the upper hand in recent clashes, going unbeaten in their last four meetings — including a 3-1 victory in the 2024 CHAN qualifiers that saw Ghana miss the tournament.
Ghana come into the match with renewed confidence. After failing to qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Black Stars have bounced back in World Cup qualifiers with emphatic wins over Chad (5-0) and Madagascar (3-0), topping Group I with 15 points.
Coach Otto Addo, back at the helm, sees the Unity Cup as more than just a warm-up. “It may be a friendly on paper, but we know what this match means. Our people are watching. We want them to be proud,” he said.
Nigeria, meanwhile, are searching for consistency. Despite booking their spot at AFCON, the Super Eagles have made a sluggish start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. A win over Rwanda was quickly overshadowed by a 1-1 home draw with Zimbabwe.
Manager Eric Chelle is using the Unity Cup as a testing ground, bringing in 10 home-based players and seeking to inject fresh energy into his squad. “We have a game project and a tactical plan. The players selected must adapt quickly. This is their chance,” Chelle stated.
Both teams are missing key figures. Ghana are without Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Antoine Semenyo due to injury, though Abdul Samed Salis, Majeed Ashimeru, and Felix Afena-Gyan return to the fold. Veteran forward Jordan Ayew is expected to lead the attack.
Nigeria, too, are without big names Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, with Fulham duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey also missing. But there’s quality in abundance: Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Cyriel Dessers have made the trip, while the experienced Ahmed Musa returns to marshal a youthful group that includes Bundesliga defender Felix Agu.
“Ahmed brings leadership, but like everyone else, he must earn his place,” said Chelle. The Jollof Derby transcends the pitch. From music and cinema to cuisine and culture, Ghana and Nigeria have long been friendly adversaries in every field.
This game is no different. It’s not just about who scores the goals — it’s about who claims bragging rights in one of the continent’s most storied rivalries. The Kick-off is set for 6:45 p.m. local time (7:45 p.m. Nigerian time), and the eyes of West Africa and the diaspora will be watching.
