In the FIFA men’s world rankings in March 2024, there is a growing gap between the Black Stars of Ghana and the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Having reached the final of the 2024 AFCON, Nigeria have seen their world ranking rise to 28th, while Ghana have fallen to 67th. That’s a big decline for the Black Stars over the last four years when they were 46th.
Over the years, there has been very little to choose between the two nations. Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria are the most likely of the two to make a bold run in the tournament that’s set to be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The Super Eagles are still huge outsiders at +29900 with licensed online football betting platform, Betano, which offers futures markets on the biggest football events each year.
The Black Stars are currently priced even longer still to win the 2026 World Cup at +34900, where the final will be held in New Jersey.
While Nigeria are currently top dog compared with the Black Stars, they haven’t always had it their own way. Below, we’ll explore some of the most notable meetings of the so-called “Jollof Derby” in living memory.
1992 – AFCON Semi-Final
Ghana reached the last four of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1992 after overcoming the Congo. The Super Eagles also defeated Zaire (now known as DR of Congo) in their quarter-final clash. This teed up a clash between Ghana and Nigeria, which was dubbed the “final before the final”.
The two nations were some of the pre-tournament favourites, so it was somewhat disappointing that the Jollof Derby couldn’t be the 1992 AFCON final instead. Nevertheless, Nigeria took an early lead through Mutiu Adepoju, before Abedi Pele equalised on the stroke of halftime. A stunning first-time effort from Prince Polley put the Black Stars in front early in the second half. It was a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, moving to the final to face Ivory Coast.
It turned out that the Black Stars’ squad was motivated by being offered almost $8,000 per person to beat their perennial rivals.
2001 – 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
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Almost a decade later, the Jollof Derby returned as a headline clash during the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying stage. The two teams played out a goalless draw in their first qualifying encounter, but Nigeria went on to win the return game 3-0 to seal their spot in South Korea for the 2002 World Cup finals.
Victor Agali struck with just two minutes on the clock before Tijani Babangida was allowed to run riot, with the diminutive winger scoring twice before the half-time interval. Things got even harder for Ghana when their keeper, Osei Boateng, received his marching orders. With no goalkeeper available, Emmanuel Osei Kuffour was forced to don the gloves for the remainder of the game.
2008 – AFCON Quarter-Final
The Black Stars and the Super Eagles collided again in the last eight of the 2008 AFCON. In their 60th competitive clash, Yakubu Ayigbeni opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first half, with the subsequent goal celebration sparking controversy as Nigeria mocked the Black Stars’ popular kangaroo goal celebration.
Enraged, Ghana battled back to level before the breakthrough Michael Essien. This contest was affected by another red card early in the second half when John Mensah was sent off. Despite this, the Black Stars’ never-say-die spirit kept Nigeria at bay. In fact, with the game seemingly meandering to extra time, Junior Agogo plundered an 82nd-minute winner for Ghana, who clung on for a miraculous win.
2010 – AFCON Semi-Final
Two years later, the Jollof Derby returned, with the Super Eagles looking to exact revenge for their 2008 loss in the last eight. In fact, it was the fourth time in successive AFCONs that the two nations met. Nigeria was quick out of the blocks, but the Black Stars opened the scoring through Asamoah Gyan despite being under the cosh in the opening stages.
Try as they might, Nigeria could not find a way past the fearless and athletic Black Stars’ side. Ghana dug deep and held on to their slender advantage until full-time, winning 1-0 and reaching their first AFCON final in 18 years.