Nigeria vs Ghana head-to-head: Which is the better country at football

The Nigeria vs Ghana rivalry has existed for several decades since the 1950s. Branded the "Jollof derby," the fixture has produced some of Africa's most spectacular and enthralling football battles. We bring you all you need to know about the Nigeria vs Ghana head-to-head football battle and other fascinating things about the iconic derby fueled by football and rice.

Today, Nigeria vs Ghana remains one of Africa's most contested football fixtures. The two nations are known for producing glaring talents and historic teams that have conquered tournaments. Learn more about one of the greatest rivalries on African soil as we highlight the stats and records in the historic contest.

What is the Jollof derby?

The Jollof derby refers to the football match between Nigeria's Super Eagles and Ghana's Black Stars. The term stems from the country's long-standing rivalry on who makes the best Jollof rice. It is a spicy West African dish used for parties and celebrations.

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The Jollof Rice Day celebrated every 22 August, has also become famous in the two countries. It is a unique event where the nations compare their versions of Jollof rice.

Ghana and their Jollof rivals first met in the 1950s. Their animosity intensified in 1969 after Ghana passed the Aliens Compliance Order, forcing non-Ghanaians, including millions of Nigerians, out of the country. Nigeria enacted a similar law in 1983, leading to the eviction of millions of Ghana citizens.

Nigeria vs Ghana head-to-head statistics

The two African giants have met dozens of times, with Ghana having a clear edge. Their first meeting was in an international friendly match on 16 October 1950, where the Black Stars won 1-0. Since then, they have met 58 times as of January 2024.

How many times has Ghana beat Nigeria?

Before their 2022 FIFA World Cup encounter, the Jollof rivals had played 56 games. The Black Stars had 25 victories against Nigeria's 12.

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Nigeria vs Ghana World Cup Qualifiers 2022

The Black Stars held their arch-rivals to a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff to book a slot in Qatar. The first leg of the intense fixture finished in a goalless draw at Kumasi, but Thomas Partey's away goal sealed the qualification for the Black Stars.

Ghana vs Nigeria all-time head-to-head record

Nigeria and their Jollof rivals have met 13 times in the 21st century. The Super Eagles have registered five wins against their rival's three.

Ghana vs Nigeria football achievements

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Regarding trophies, the Super Eagles are slightly more successful than their counterparts. Nigeria has five FIFA U-17 World Cups, while Ghana has two. Continentally, the Back Stars are among the most AFCON winners with four titles, while Nigeria has three.

The Super Eagles also won an Olympic gold medal in the 1996 Games. Nigeria and Cameroon are the only African nations with the medal. The Black Stars bagged a bronze medal in the 1992 Games, becoming the first African country to win an Olympic medal.

The Black Stars have thrice qualified for the World Cup and reached the quarterfinal at the 2010 edition in South Africa. Their Jollof rivals have made it to six editions, but the furthest they have gone is the round of 16 three times.

Frequently asked questions

The Jollof derby is the oldest rivalry in West Africa. It sometimes gets marred by chaos and controversies as the teams battle for pride and football supremacy. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the iconic contest.

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Which year did Ghana beat Nigeria 7-0?

The Super Eagles suffered their worst defeat against Ghana (7-0) in a friendly match in June 1955. Nigeria's best win over their rivals was a 3-0 in 2001 during their 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Who are Ghana vs Nigeria football legends?

The Black Stars have produced legendary footballers like Abedi Pele, Michael Essien, Samuel Kuffour, Asamoah Gyan, and Thomas Partey. Nigeria also boasts top talents like Jay Jay Okocha, John Obi Mikel, Rashidi Yekini, Vincent Enyeama, Nwankwo Kanu, and Victor Osimhen.

Has Nigeria ever beaten Ghana?

The Super Eagles have registered 12 wins over their West African rivals in decades of rivalry. However, they are yet to record a win in a competitive match on Ghana's home soil.

What is the Ghana vs Nigeria FIFA ranking?

The latest FIFA ranking shows that the Super Eagles are sixth in Africa and 45th globally. The Black Stars have dropped to 11th in the continent and 64th globally.

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When is the next Ghana vs Nigeria game?

There is currently no schedule for the Jollof derby, but the two could meet in the knockout round of the 2023 AFCON tournament. The Super Eagles are in group A alongside Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, while Ghana is in group B with Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.