Ghana vs Nigeria WCQ: A balanced rivalry between brothers

Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana have faced eight times at the World Cup Qualifiers and both teams have an equal measure of bragging rights.

In both nations’ eight meetings, Ghana have won twice. Nigeria have also won as many games as their agelong rivals. Both sides have drawn four games, in a fixture that is balanced on all levels.

The first time Ghana faced Nigeria at the World Cup qualifiers, the Black Stars emerged victorious 4-1 on the 28th of August 1960.

Nigeria hosted the Ghanaians in the return leg on the 10th of September in the same year with the game ending in a 2-2 draw.

Both sides met again nine years later with Nigeria emerging victorious 2-1 at home on the 10th of May, 1969 while they played out a 1-1 draw in the return leg in Ghana eight days later.

Nigeria faced their eternal rivals again on the 10th of February 1973 and lost 3-2 at home, before playing a 0-0 draw away in Ghana twelve days later.

They had a break from their rivalry at the World Cup qualifiers for 27 years before facing each other again in 2001, with the Super Eagles defeating Ghana 3-0 at home and playing a goalless stalemate away. The games were played on the 10th of March and 28th of July respectively.

Both teams have not crossed paths at the World Cup qualifiers in more than 20 years and Ghana have qualified for the World Cup three times within the period. Nigeria have also qualified for the World Cup three times since appearing at the 2002 World Cup.