N JUST a matter of days, two of Africa’s greatest football nations will do battle, with the victor being awarded a place in the 2022 World Cup Finals in Qatar, writes Nnamdi Onyeagwara.
The rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana spans decades and the nations have been evenly matched since records began.
The Super Eagles have won three AFCON titles compared to the Black Star’s four victories, and their head-to-head records are also very close with Ghana winning 19 times to Nigeria’s 16.
However, 71 years since their first official meeting, very soon they will meet for the 57th and 58th time with world-renowned stars like Thomas Partey and Andre and Jordan Ayew going toe-to-toe with Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho amongst others.
The first leg will be played on March 25, at the 40,00-capacity Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, while the second and deciding tie will be played out at the 60, 000-capacity Abuja National Stadium on March 29.
Nigerian football data analyst, Samuel Areo recognizes the importance of the derby and believes that the rivalry transcends the sport.
He said: “I see it as one of the biggest rivalries in African football. We have many Ghanaians’ living and working in Nigeria and vice-versa. There is a deep connection between the two countries, and it is a rich rivalry that goes deep down to every facet, not just football.”
The two nations have been a strong rivalry for as long as the countries have existed.
Ghanaian journalist, Elizabeth Ohene famously said in a 2020 BBC interview: “Even though the two countries do not share borders, it always felt like we were neighbours.
