Written by Hafiz Gunu
Ghana and Nigeria; two countries with very rich socio-political, economic and sporting heritage spanning decades, are tied at the hip in ways that make other nations almost envious of what they share. It is almost funny how the two countries act like Benin and Togo are not the existing neighbouring countries when they engage in online exchanges and argue over just about everything.
In recent times, these exchanges have mostly centered on which country’s version of the famous West African dish; “Jollof” is to die for. It is a debate that has ended friendships, threatened careers and sent some husbands sleeping on the porch for merely picking sides. The Jollof subject is not to be messed with by anyone outside these two countries. Ghana and Nigeria can go at each other for days and still have the presence of mind to immediately put their rivalry aside, and gang up on any country that dares to interfere in their brotherly squabble (ask the Ugandans).
the March 25, these two nations will once again ignite this age-old rivalry, this time in football, to secure 1 of 5 tickets to represent the continent in the global football showpiece; FIFA World Cup over a two leg encounter.
he Baba Yara stadium in Kumasi, Ghana will play host to the first encounter between the two sides this Friday, March 25th, while the Mashood Abiola stadium in Abuja, Nigeria will host the return fixture four days later. The Black Stars of Ghana and the fans of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, as expected have thrown friendly jibes at each other at every given opportunity. The political elite, sports administrators, sports Journalists and even comedians are getting in on the act. No one is safe. It is a free for all “gbas-gbos” (see your Nigerian friend for translation).
If you are a fan and you dare upload a picture in a Black Stars or Super Eagles replica jersey; “you go collect”, identify yourself as sports journalist set to cover the match; “you go collect”, post a random statistic that even remotely favors one side; “you go collect”.
Going by these screenshots, Nigeria-Ghana Twitter is not safe. This is both sides just warming up (pun intended). Delving into the relationship between the fans and their respective teams makes it even more interesting. Fans of the Black Stars of Ghana have a love-hate relationship with the team. While some fans are yet to forgive the team since the Brazil 2014 World Cup fiasco, others are basing their disinterest in the team on the embarrassing performance at the just ended AFCON 2022 in Cameroon earlier this year.
A section of fans of the Black Stars can’t seem to reconcile the enviable array of talent available with a lack of continental success since 1982, and for this reason, the football association will forever stand trial for their handling of affairs over the years. The football governing body, Ghana Football Association (GFA), has also not done itself any favors in the handling of matters to be fair, a situation which has provided critics more than enough ammunition in their arsenal. Despite everything going on in the background, fans still look set to put their personal issues aside and offer their support to the Black Stars since it is Nigeria standing between them and Qatar.
Their loud and highly opinionated West African nemesis, fans of the Super Eagles of Nigeria on the other hand, have enjoyed their team in recent times. The undying belief and faith reposed in the team over the years was finally rewarded with an AFCON trophy in 2013 and they have since gone on to play some very exciting brand of football with a new generation of Super Eagles. In the just ended AFCON, they put opponents to the sword seamlessly in the group stages, until Tunisia crashed the party. Perhaps still on a high from the tournament, fans of the Super Eagles are more than upbeat about their chances against the Black Stars.
A Ghana-Nigeria football match promises more than just a game. It is a lifetime supply of bragging rights and a license to stick it to the other. Not to mention a “weapon” of choice in the next “jollof” wars. Underneath all the trash talk and jibes are fans that are scared to death. Doesn’t matter what the records say or current form. These two teams will be competing for country and glory and the team that wants it bad enough will sail through.
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