Ghana vs Nigeria, the birth of the Jollof derby

Exactly 75 years ago today, on May 28, 1950, Ghana, then known as the Gold Coast, played its first-ever international football match. The opponent? None other than Nigeria.

In front of an eager crowd in Accra, the Gold Coast XI defeated Nigeria’s Red Devils 1-0, marking not only the beginning of Ghana’s journey in international football but also the birth of one of Africa’s most iconic rivalries.

It was the first of what would become 56 thrilling encounters between the two West African giants, a rivalry now famously known as the Jollof derby.

That historic match set the stage for decades of intense competition, national pride, and unforgettable moments.

From fiercely contested friendlies to high-stakes World Cup qualifiers and continental battles, Ghana vs Nigeria has never been just another fixture. It’s a clash steeped in history, culture, and emotion.

Over the years, Ghana has recorded 22 wins in this rivalry, Nigeria has claimed 13, and 21 matches have ended in stalemates.

But beyond the numbers lies a deeper story of two nations whose footballing identities have grown side by side, often clashing at the highest levels with passion and purpose.

Today, May 28, 2025, on the exact anniversary of that historic first match, the two nations meet once again, this time in the semifinals of the 2025 Unity Cup at the GTech Community Stadium in London.

The Black Stars, led by Otto Addo and featuring a youthful squad, will take on Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a high-stakes showdown with a spot in the final on the line.

Though players, coaches, and stadiums have changed, the spirit of May 28, 1949, lives on.

The rivalry remains as fierce and meaningful as ever, a lasting testament to 75 years of footballing history that began with a single goal in Accra and continues tonight.

FKA/MA

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