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Nigeria vs Ghana: Match preview, team news, possible lineup as Super Eagles ambush Black Stars in London

1 day ago
by Obi Donald
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When Nigeria and Ghana meet on a football pitch, history walks onto the grass too.

On Wednesday night, the latest chapter of one of African football’s fiercest rivalries will be written under the floodlights of Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, as Nigeria and Ghana battle for a place in the Unity Cup final.

Though tagged a “friendly tournament,” there is nothing remotely friendly about Nigeria vs Ghana. From national pride to footballing superiority and cultural bragging rights (hello, Jollof rice), this is West Africa’s biggest derby—and it never disappoints.

Both nations bring rich footballing pedigree into the tie: Nigeria, three-time African champions; Ghana, four-time kings of the continent.

For 74 years, these two nations have exchanged thunderous tackles, stunning goals, and seismic heartbreaks. Be it the Jalco Cup of the 50s, the World Cup qualifiers of the 2000s, or their last encounter in Marrakech, every Nigeria-Ghana fixture has left a legacy.

But this match isn’t just about past glory — it’s about momentum, redemption, and showing who rules West Africa in 2025.

Head-to-head

The numbers don’t lie — Ghana have traditionally had the upper hand.

The Black Stars hold more wins over Nigeria in their 74-year-old rivalry, including their 4-1 thumping of the Super Eagles in Brentford back in 2007.

They also edged Nigeria on away goals in the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs — a painful memory the Super Eagles haven’t forgotten.

But things have begun to tilt. Nigeria ended an 18-year winless run over Ghana with a 2-1 victory in a friendly last March in Marrakech. Goals from Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman secured that landmark win. Could that signal a power shift?

Team news

Nigeria:

Eric Chelle has assembled an intriguing blend of overseas-based stars and emerging home talents. Stanley Nwabali, the AFCON 2023 breakout goalkeeper, is expected to start.

In defence, the likes of Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu, and Felix Agu are pushing for starts. Bruno Onyemaechi and Sodiq Ismaila bring energy and width, while Junior Nduka and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi provide home-grown grit.

Midfield is stacked with Premier League bite — Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi bring steel and stamina, while Saviour Isaac and Collins Ogwueze are set to provide forward thrust.

Up front, Eric Chelle has options. Ahmed Musa and Moses Simon provide experience, Kelechi Iheanacho is the creative link, and Samuel Chukwueze offers directness and flair. Cyriel Dessers should lead the line, while Nathan Tella and Sikiru Alimi are pacey alternatives.

Tolu Arokodare, Belgium Pro League’s top scorer, joined the squad late and is unlikely to feature.

Ghana:

Otto Addo’s side is brimming with confidence.

Jordan Ayew and Mohammed Salisu headline a talented squad that includes Juventus’ Felix Afena Gyan, Atalanta’s Ibrahima Sulemana, and Union Saint-Gilloise’s Mohammed Gadafi.

Following a 5-0 demolition of Chad and a 3-0 win over Madagascar, Ghana come into this match flying — and will not want to cede an inch to their arch-rivals.

Possible lineups

Nigeria XI (4-2-3-1):
Nwabali; Ismaila, Ajayi, Ogbu, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyeka; Chukwueze, Iheanacho, Simon; Dessers

Ghana XI (4-3-3):
Ati-Zigi; Lamptey, Amartey, Djiku, Mensah; Partey, Kudus, Baba Iddrisu; Ayew, Williams, Semenyo

Match details

  • Fixture: Nigeria vs Ghana
  • Competition: Unity Cup Semi-Final
  • Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
  • Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, London
  • Kick-off: 7pm UK Time
  • Broadcast: Live on Supersport, BBC Africa, and select streaming platforms

Prediction

Forget the tag of “friendly”—this is pride, legacy, and rivalry wrapped in one.

Nigeria are eager to show that their recent win was no fluke, while Ghana are determined to reclaim dominance and silence the Super Eagles on English soil once again.

Expect fireworks. With talents like Kudus and Chukwueze on display, goals are almost guaranteed.

Prediction: Nigeria 2-2 Ghana (Nigeria win on penalties)

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