Nigeria vs Ghana rivalry has been one of the most consistent showdowns in Africa for years, with both nations battling for dominance in all aspects in which they find themselves, from football to music, cuisine, athletics, etc.
Sometimes, it feels like the downfall of one is enough joy for the other, as both nations dish out banter to themselves, using their flaws as weapons in a bid to win the crossfire.
Nigeria and Ghana are set to clash in a friendly match scheduled for Friday, March 22, 2024. This encounter is expected to be more than just a friendly exhibition game, as both countries see it as an opportunity to reignite their rivalry, with social media serving as a significant battleground for their exchanges.
In this article, we look into 5 areas in which both nations battle it out for dominance. The areas listed include football, economy and national dynamics, music, cuisine, athletics.
Nigeria vs. Ghana: Football
Football is one aspect that has stirred up rivalries for dominance between both countries.
This rivalry dates back to the 1960s, but both teams have already competed in friendlies and international matches since the 1950s. Ghana, then known as the Gold Coast, had a more established football federation and toured England before their official encounter in 1951.
Nigeria, known as the “Red Devils” at first, adopted their national colors later. Despite early successes for Nigeria, Ghana dominated the Africa Cup of Nations from the 1960s to the early 2000s, winning it four times compared to Nigeria’s three victories. However, Nigeria achieved notable success in the FIFA World Cup, reaching the knockout stages in 1994 and 1998 and defeating strong teams like Spain.
In terms of head-to-head records, Ghana trumps Nigeria with 25 victories against the Super Eagle’s 12, with 19 ending in draws. Both teams last clashed in 2022, in the World Cup playoff, in which Ghana eliminated Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup.
Nigeria boasts more recent successes in AFCON achievement, with the Super Eagles reaching the recently concluded African Nations Cup, winning the silver medal as they lost to Ivory Coast in the final as their fierce rivals, Ghana, got eliminated in the group stages for the second time in a row, underscoring the team’s recent failures in the competition.
Jollof rice war: Battle for cuisine dominance
The renowned African Jollof, celebrated for its alluring fragrance, vibrant red hue, and spicy zest, boasts a diverse range of recipes, cementing its status as the reigning culinary gem of West African cuisine. Its allure transcends borders, captivating taste buds globally and inspiring Jollof festivals worldwide, along with its dedicated national day on August 22nd.
Yet, the beloved Jollof ignites fierce sibling rivalry among West African nations, notably Ghana and Nigeria.
This spirited competition, fueled by the internet, social media, street food vendors, culinary fusions, and enthusiastic word-of-mouth, has even attracted the attention of influential figures, with one of the world’s wealthiest individuals declining to settle the debate.
Nigerians claim they make the best jollof rice in Africa, while Ghana also boasts that theirs is the best. This battle has continued, and we may never see an end to it, with both countries hellbent on favouring their’s when asked to pick.
Nigeria vs. Ghana: Music
Music has been one of Africa’s biggest exports in recent years, with Nigeria and its far-familiar rivals, Ghana, also at the forefront as far as this aspect of entertainment is concerned.
Recent arguments have ensued about who makes the best music, who has the best and most lyrically inclined rappers, and also who has the biggest artists in Africa, with both countries throwing their weight behind their countrymen whenever a beef arises between artists of their respective countries. An example is the Burna Boy vs. Shatta Wale beef, Shatta Wale vs. Wizkid, etc.
Ghanaians argue on social media that they have the best and biggest rapper in Africa in Sarkodie, while Nigerians debunk such claims, putting out MI, popularly known as Mr. Incredible, as the number one African rapper and also the pioneer of revolutionary African rap.
Ghanaians take pride in their plethora of artists who are making waves in the music industry, such as Sarkodie, Black Sheriff, King Promise, Stonebwoy, Manifest, and Kwami Eugene, among others.
Meanwhile, Nigeria boasts an extensive list of top artists including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, 2Baba (formerly Tuface Idibia), Olamide, Vector, Phyno, and many more.
Despite this rivalry, artists from both countries frequently collaborate with each other, resulting in hit songs that garner significant attention and success.
Collaborations between artists from both countries have produced hit songs. Apple music
Athletics: Battle for dominance in the all African games
Sports Buddy in recent news reported about a video where Nigeria’s Joy Obanla clinched victory in the women’s 65kg MMA event final at the African Games, defeating Ghanaian MMA fighter Abubakari Winnie and securing the gold medal.
Nigeria's Joy Obanla won the GOLD medal in women's 65kg MMA event at the African Games, beating her Ghanaian opponent, and the referee having to end the match after one round. pic.twitter.com/5yetEn9pzB
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) March 13, 2024
This video posted on X, provided another platform for both nations to engage in banter and assert their superiority, giving Nigerians the upper hand as they took to social media to troll Winnie and Ghana as a whole.
One said, “she beat am like thief”
Another commented, “wetin the Ghanian do now. See beating”, as reported by Sports Buddy
Economy and National dynamics
Both countries’s economies have been another avenue to throw shade at each other. This might have started with normal football banter on social media, transcending into trolls about their country’s present state. Ghanaians commonly diss Nigerians with the normal ”no electricity” and ”fall in currency value” jibes, highlighting the major problems the country faces. They even go as far as reminding Nigerians that they deserve their present government, underscoring their bad decisions when it comes to making choices.
In contrast, Nigerians fire back by pointing out that despite Ghana’s consistent electricity supply and stronger currency, it’s still much smaller than Nigeria in every aspect. They highlight Nigeria’s larger GDP, greater global influence, and sheer size. Some even go to the extent of likening Ghana to a local government within Lagos, a city in Nigeria.
Mutual respect amidst rivalry
The enduring rivalry between these two nations seems unending, but amidst it, there is mutual respect. Despite the banter and teasing, there’s a shared appreciation for the humor in it all. It’s akin to the story of two brothers who deeply care for each other but struggle to express it in the best way possible.
