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The long-standing football rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria takes centre stage once again as the Black Galaxies host the Super Eagles B of Nigeria tomorrow in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Accra Sports Stadium.
This clash is set to be more than just a football match—it is a battle of pride, redemption and supremacy between two football powerhouses with storied histories.
For Ghana, it is an opportunity to restore national pride after recent setbacks, while Nigeria is fuelled by a thirst for revenge and a bid to reassert dominance on the continental stage.
Ghana enter the tie with a determination to heal the wounds inflicted by their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
For the Black Galaxies, this CHAN qualifier is a chance to bring the cheer back to their fans and re-establish themselves as a force in African football.
Led by seasoned coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, the Black Galaxies have prepared rigorously, including a morale-boosting 2-0 friendly victory over Togo in Lome.
The squad boasts a blend of talent and experience, including Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, FC Samartex defender Isaac Afful, and Medeama SC midfielder Manuel Mantey.
Key players Coach Dramani can fall on include Basake Holy Stars’ Issah Yakubu, who found the net against Togo, and Kotoko forward Albert Amoah, whose last-gasp winner against Hearts of Oak in Kumasi last Sunday underscored his ability to rise to the occasion.
The gaffer expressed confidence in his side’s readiness: “We are physically, technically and tactically well-oriented. Each day, we make small refinements, and I’m very positive that come Sunday, we’ll be fully prepared.”
Dramani said that after analysing his opponents’ style of play, he had mapped out a clear strategy to dominate the exchanges and deal with Nigeria’s strengths in tomorrow’s clash in Accra.
“We’ve worked on defining clear playing values—being goal-oriented, aggressive and effective in both attack and defence. We emphasise controlling spaces and maintaining composure under pressure. Training sessions are modelled exactly like matches to replicate real-game intensity. We’re also carefully analysing Nigeria’s style and integrating tactical adjustments without losing focus on our strengths.”
With the weight of home expectations and the shadow of a fierce rivalry looming large, Coach Dramani has proven adept at steering his players through the storm of pressure.
His measured approach has allowed the team to block out distractions and focus on tactical execution, creating an atmosphere of calm amidst the anticipation.
An emphasis on preparation over passion, and teamwork over individual heroics, reflects the coach’s understanding of what it takes to succeed in such emotionally charged encounters and shifts the spotlight from past encounters to the task at hand -- the defining factor in how the Black Galaxies can perform under the weight of expectation.
“We focus on the team rather than the rivalry. While we respect history, we are more concerned with our technical, tactical, and psychological preparation. The players are reminded to channel the pressure positively, emphasising collective performance over individual efforts,” he explained.
For the Super Eagles B, the stakes are equally high. This is not only a chance to qualify for the CHAN (reserved exclusively for players plying their trade in domestic leagues) but also an opportunity to avenge their dramatic elimination by Ghana in the last qualifiers. On that occasion, both teams won 2-0 on home soil, with Ghana advancing on penalties.
The bitter memories of Nigeria’s senior team missing the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to Ghana further fuel their determination.
Head coach Daniel Ogunmodede has left no stone unturned in preparing his team. He disclosed that the technical team had meticulously studied Ghana's gameplay to devise effective strategies.
"We’ve analysed their key strengths and identified areas to exploit. Although it’s been challenging to gather sufficient data on individual players due to the visibility of their league, our tactics will focus on capitalising on our strengths while exposing their vulnerabilities," Ogunmodede explained in an interview with cafonline.com.
He also stressed the importance of adaptability, highlighting the team's ability to adjust dynamically during the match to neutralise Ghana’s strengths.
The Nigerian coach emphasised the significance of the first leg, calling it a golden opportunity to secure a psychological edge by winning on Ghanaian soil.
"Playing away is a challenge, but it’s crucial to showcase our quality and resilience. Our dynamic playing style, depth of talent, and determination give us the edge we need."
Tomorrow’s clash is a crucial step in the journey to the 2025 CHAN, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. With the return leg in Lagos just six days away, both teams will be eager to secure a decisive result in Accra.
This weekend’s qualifiers feature classic rivalries and regional showdowns that will define the final 19 spots at next year’s tournament. While the spotlight will be on the “Jollof Derby” between Ghana and Nigeria, there are other regional showdowns to watch out for.
Guinea face-off against neighbours Guinea-Bissau in another high-stakes West African derby, while defending champions Senegal begin their campaign against Liberia. Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions take on the Central African Republic, aiming to stamp their authority early.
Southern Africa adds its own spice as Mozambique and Zambia clash in a battle of pride, Lesotho look to upset Angola, Eswatini meet Madagascar, and Mauritania lock horns with Mali in ties that promise sparks and surprises.
