Three-time African champions Nigeria and four-time champions Ghana will bring alive the Unity Cup Invitational Tournament in London on Wednesday when both regional rivals clash in the second semi-final of a tournament of immense cultural and sporting relevance.

Both teams bring a number of critical elements into the encounter taking place at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, including a 74-year rivalry in which Ghana have smiled more than Nigeria, but either team has felt like they lost a World War 3 whenever results did not go their way.

Until March last year, when they won a friendly match against the Black Stars 2-1 in the Moroccan city of Marrakech, thanks to goals from Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles had not beaten their West African foes in 18 years. That was when Taye Taiwo’s shot from a free-kick outside the box condemned the Black Stars to defeat in a group phase encounter in Port Said, at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars won the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification pitching both teams together, on the away goal rule, and retain the bragging rights of the biggest win in their clashes – a 7-0 spanking of then Red Devils in a Jalco Cup match in Accra on 30^th October 1955. Ghana also won the two teams’ only previous clash at Brentford, running away 4-1 victors in a friendly encounter on 6^th February 2007.

However, the Super Eagles have equally had their day in the sun, such as the 3-0 trashing of the Black Stars in Port Harcourt to earn passage to the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals, and eliminating the Cup holders from the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations.

Wednesday’s clash in west London is another opportunity for the Super Eagles to prove their mettle, with Head Coach Eric Chelle having called an interesting blend of home-based talent and boys based overseas.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is expected to be in goal, with Semi Ajayi, Felix Agu, Sodiq Ismaila, Igoh Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Junior Nduka, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi and Waliu Ojetoye available for slots in the defence, and Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Saviour Isaac and Collins Ogwueze tugging for the midfield shirts. Christantus Uche was yet to arrive in the team’s Doubletree By Hilton Ealing abode as at Tuesday evening.

Ahmed Musa, Simon Moses, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Samuel Chukwueze, Sikiru Alimi and Adamu Abubakar are available for Coach Eric Chelle in the fore-line, as Tolu Arokodare, who a few days ago clinched Belgium Pro League’s top scorer award, was scheduled to arrive on Tuesday night and might not feature having not trained with the team.  

NIGERIA, GHANA IN HISTORY

• 20 0ct 1951 (Jalco Cup): Nigeria 5 Ghana 0
• 11 Oct 1953 (Jalco Cup): Ghana 1 Nigeria 0
• 30 Oct 1954 (Jalco Cup): Nigeria 3 Ghana 0
• 30 Oct 1955 (Jalco Cup): Ghana 7 Nigeria 0
• 27 Oct 1956 (Jalco Cup): Nigeria 3 Ghana 0
• 27 Oct 1957 (Jalco Cup): Ghana 3 Nigeria 3
• 25 Oct 1958 (Jalco Cup): Nigeria 3 Ghana 2
• 10 Oct 1959 (Olympics Qualifier): Nigeria 3 Ghana 1
• 26 Oct 1959 (Olympics Qualifier): Ghana 4 Nigeria 1
• 22 Nov 1959 (Jalco Cup): Ghana 5 Nigeria 2
• 28 Aug 1960 (WC Qualifier): Ghana 4 Nigeria 1
• 10 Sep 1960 (WC Qualifier): Nigeria 2 Ghana 2
• 9 Oct 1960 (Nkrumah Cup): Nigeria 0 Ghana 3
• 29 Oct 1960 (Zik Cup): Nigeria 1 Ghana 1
• 8 Apr 1961 (AFCON Qualifier): Nigeria 0 Ghana 0
• 30 Apr 1961 (AFCON Qualifier): Ghana 2 Nigeria 2
• 17 Dec 1961 (Friendly): Ghana 5 Nigeria 1
• 10 Nov 1962 (Friendly): Nigeria 0 Ghana 0
• 23 Feb 1963 (Nkrumah Cup); Ghana 5 Nigeria 0
• 30 Oct 1965 (Zik Cup): Nigeria 0 Ghana 4
• 7 Nov 1965 (Zik Cup): Ghana 3 Nigeria 0
• 23 Jan 1967 (Zik Cup): Nigeria 2 Ghana 2
• 12 Feb 1967 (Zik Cup): Ghana 2 Nigeria 0
• 22 Oct 1967 (Zik Cup): Ghana 2 Nigeria 1
• 23 Dec 1967 (Zik Cup): Nigeria 2 Ghana 2
• 10 May 1969 (WC Qualifier): Nigeria 2 Ghana 1
• 18 May 1969 (WC Qualifier): Ghana 1 Nigeria 1
• 8 Jan 1973 (All-Africa Games): Nigeria 4 Ghana 2
• 10 Feb 1973 (WC Qualifier): Nigeria 2 Ghana 3 – abandoned, match awarded 2-0 to Ghana
• 25 Feb 1973 (WC Qualifier): Ghana 0 Nigeria 0
• 11 Aug 1974 (Festival): Nigeria 1 Ghana 0
• 17 Aug 1974 (Festival): Nigeria 0 Ghana 1
• 24 Aug 1975 (Festival): Ghana 1 Nigeria 2
• 30 Aug 1975 (Festival): Ghana 3 Nigeria 0
• 4 Sep 1977 (Ecowas Cup): Nigeria 2 Ghana 1
• 8 Mar 1978 (AFCON): Ghana 1 Nigeria 1
• 21 July 1978 (All-Africa Games): Ghana 0 Nigeria 0
• 1 May 1983 (ECA Anniversary): Ghana 1 Nigeria 0
• 15 Oct 1983 (Olympics Qualifier): Nigeria 0 Ghana 0
• 30 Oct 1983 (Olympics Qualifier): Ghana 1 Nigeria 2
• 5 Mar 1984 (AFCON): Ghana 1 Nigeria 2
• 27 July 1986 (Friendly): Ghana 2 Nigeria 0
• 2 Sep 1990 (AFCON Qualifier): Ghana 1 Nigeria 0
• 13 Apr 1991 (AFCON Qualifier): Nigeria 0 Ghana 0
• 23 Jan 1992 (AFCON): Ghana 2 Nigeria 1
• 9 Mar 1994 (Friendly): Nigeria 0 Ghana 0
• 28 Aug 1999 (Friendly): Nigeria 0 Ghana 0
• 11 Mar 2001 (WC Qualifier): Ghana 0 Nigeria 0
• 29 July 2001 (WC Qualifier): Nigeria 3 Ghana 0
• 3 Feb 2002 (AFCON): Ghana 0 Nigeria 1
• 15 Dec 2002 (Friendly): Ghana 0 Nigeria 1
• 30 May 2003 (LG Cup): Nigeria 3 Ghana 1
• 23 Jan 2006 (AFCON): Ghana 0 Nigeria 1
• 6 Feb 2007 (Friendly): Ghana 4 Nigeria 1
• 3 Feb 2008 (AFCON): Ghana 2 Nigeria 1
• 28 Jan 2010 (AFCON): Ghana 1 Nigeria 0
• 11 Oct 2011 (Friendly): Ghana 0 Nigeria 0
• 25 Mar 2022 (WC Qualifier): Ghana 0 Nigeria 0
• 29 Mar 2022 (WC Qualifier): Nigeria 1 Ghana 1
• 23 Mar 2024 (Friendly): Ghana 1 Nigeria 2

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Ahead of different international friendly games, the camps of Nigeria’s senior teams (Super Eagles and Super Falcons) have come alive with most invited players already in.

As at 18: 55hrs on Monday, 18 of the 23 Super Falcons invited for the friendly matches against Cameroon (31^st May at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo and 3^rd June at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta) had arrived at the team’s Am2pm Hotel in Ijebu-Ode.

At about the same time, on the same day, 22 of the 26 Super Eagles invited for the Unity Cup Invitational Tournament in London had arrived at the team’s Doubletree Hilton Ealing.

The Super Eagles take on the Black Stars of Ghana at the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford on Wednesday, 28^th May and then play a second match at the same venue on Saturday, 31^st May.

The opponent will be determined by their result against the Black Stars, and the result of the 27^th May clash between Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.

SUPER FALCONS IN IJEBU-ODE

Rasheedat Ajibade, Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne, Francisca Ordega, Omorinsola Babajide, Rofiat Imuran, Oluwatosin Demehin, Olamide Bolaji, Josephine Mathias, Sikiratu Isah, Jennifer Echegini, Osinachi Ohale, Amarachi Odoma, Morufa Ademola, Miracle Usani, Emem Essien, Blessing Ilivieda, Linda Jiwuaku

SUPER EAGLES IN LONDON

Ahmed Musa, Simon Moses, Kelechi Iheanacho, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Felix Agu, Igoh Ogbu, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Junior Harrison Nduka, Sodiq Ismaila, Waliu Ojetoye, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Saviour Isaac, Collins Ogwueze, Sikiru Alimi, Adamu Abubakar, Stanley Nwabali, Samuel Chukwueze

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As Nigeria prepares for the highly anticipated Unity Cup Tournament in London, two Super Eagles greats—Garba Lawal and Mutiu Adepoju—have thrown their weight behind current head coach Eric Chelle for his commendable decision to blend homegrown talents from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with established foreign professionals. 

Their endorsement comes as Chelle names a 25-man squad set to face off against Ghana in the semi-finals of the Unity Cup on May 28, with the tournament finale billed for May 31 at the Gtech Community Stadium in West London.

Chelle’s approach evokes memories of legendary Nigerian coaches such as Clemens Westerhof, Stephen Keshi, and Bonfrere Jo, all of whom famously integrated domestic league players into the national team fabric. 

That tradition, which played a crucial role in Nigeria’s golden football era of the 1990s, appears to be receiving a modern-day revival.

Mutiu Adepoju—fondly remembered as “The Headmaster” for his aerial prowess—noted that Chelle’s inclusion of nine-ten NPFL players is not only strategic but inspirational for local talents.

 “Yes, I think it’s a good one, a good development,” Adepoju said. “Counting the number of home-based players, I could see nine—this is great for the NPFL. It’s a way of encouraging our domestic league and showing belief in the talent available at home.”

When asked whether Chelle is intentionally following in the footsteps of former coaches like Westerhof and Keshi, Adepoju affirmed:

“Yes, I think it’s always good. Chelle did something similar while he was coaching in Mali. It’s best to ensure the local league is encouraged—it’s very important.

Adepoju also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances at the tournament:

 “Why not? They are going there to compete. If they put everything they have into it, I believe they can win.”

Opportunity for home-based players to shine

Similarly, Garba Lawal—a versatile midfielder from Nigeria’s golden generation—hailed the squad list as a refreshing nod to player development.

 “It’s a good one. I believe Chelle wants to give some other people a chance to play, which is good,” said Lawal. “It’s a mix of foreign and home-based players. I hope the home-based will take advantage of this opportunity.”

Lawal emphasised the significance of performance for local players in such international settings:

“There aren’t too many professionals in there, so the home-based players need to showcase their talents. As a player, this is the kind of opportunity you’re looking for. When you’re called upon, you have to give your best because the coach has already done his part.”

He also echoed sentiments on the historical context, saying:

 “People like Westerhof, Keshi, Bonfrere Jo—they all did similar things. It’s not new. This is a traditional way of bringing in the local players.”

Strategic squad selection 

The Unity Cup is more than just another friendly tournament—it carries historical significance for Nigeria. 

The Super Eagles won the last two editions of the competition in 2002 and 2004. Notably, the 2004 edition saw the international debut of Obafemi Martins in a clash against Ireland. 

Martins would go on to become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated strikers, a testament to how impactful opportunities like the Unity Cup can be for emerging talents.

Chelle seems keen to continue that legacy. His selection includes marquee foreign-based names like Moses Simon (FC Nantes), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), and Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla), balanced with standout NPFL performers such as Remo Stars’ captain Junior Harrison Nduka and Sikiru Alimi.

In goal, Stanley Nwabali returns alongside Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie.

The 2025 Unity Cup, featuring Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, will serve as a platform for Chelle to assess squad depth ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers in September and October. The Franco-Malian himself acknowledged this in a recent statement:

“We’re looking forward to taking part in the Unity Cup as it will give us the chance to try out a few new players in different roles, helping us to strengthen our squad.”

This blend of youth and experience, domestic and diaspora, signals a strategic evolution under Chelle’s stewardship.

Beyond just winning the Unity Cup, the bigger victory may lie in building a more inclusive and competitive Super Eagles squad.

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