The Unity Cup is here, and for a friendly game it doesn’t get bigger than this: Nigeria vs Ghana. A clash of cultures, pride, and footballing history, all unfolding under the lights at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.
The Jollof Derby is a meeting steeped in rivalry, legacy, and emotion. And on tomorrow, the Super Eagles will look to remind the Black Stars who rules West African football.
New tournament. Same goal ?
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) May 20, 2025
Bet9ja are proud to be the official sponsor of @NGSuperEagles 2025 AFCON campaign!
Let’s Do It Again, Super Eagles ??? pic.twitter.com/4V91lWcCSN
A Derby Like No Other
Whether it’s the jollof rice debates or the unforgettable showdowns on the pitch, these two nations go way back. With over 50 head-to-head encounters, their battles have included heartbreak, drama, and unforgettable moments.
Ghana leads the all-time record, but recent history favours Nigeria – unbeaten in the last five meetings, including a 3-1 win in December.
This time, the stakes are slightly different. It’s the Unity Cup – a four-team tournament featuring Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, but the pride is very real. Win here, and the victor heads into the final full of belief. Lose, and bragging rights are gone.
Throwback to the rocket Taye Taiwo unleashed against Ghana at the 2006 AFCON ???pic.twitter.com/puoZogaHTa
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) May 27, 2025
Squad News: Youth, NPFL Stars, and Key Absences
Nigeria arrives in London with a mix of youth, experience, and homegrown talent. Big names like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are absent, but the squad still has firepower.
Returning captain Ahmed Musa leads a forward line featuring Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Cyriel Dessers and Nathan Tella. The midfield sees Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka providing stability, while Stanley Nwabali returns in goal.
Ten home-based players have been included – a deliberate move by coach Eric Chelle to test squad depth and spotlight NPFL talent. This is a chance for stars like Sodiq Ismaila, Papa Daniel Mustapha and Amas Obasogie to prove they belong on the big stage.
Ghana, meanwhile, are also missing some big names – no Kudus, no Partey, no Semenyo – but Jordan Ayew and a group of hungry fringe players make them no less dangerous.
Predicted Line-ups
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Onyemaechi, Ajayi, Ogbu, Ismaila; Ndidi; Chukwueze, Iheanacho, Simon; Dessers, Arokodare
Ghana XI: Asare; Mensah, Salisu, Simpson, Mamudu; Ashimeru, Samed, Agyekum; Ayew, Asante, Gyan
What to Expect
Don’t let the ‘friendly’ label fool you – this will be tense, physical, and emotional. For Eric Chelle, it’s a chance to build momentum ahead of World Cup qualifiers.
Expect a cagey start, flashes of brilliance from wide areas, and a whole lot of passion from the stands.
Will the Super Eagles fly past the Black Stars once again? Bet on the game here with Bet9ja!
