Sports
Ghana vs. Nigeria: A rivalry renewed in the 2025 Unity Cup Semifinal – Preview
The Black Stars of Ghana will lock horns with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the semifinal of the 2025 Unity Cup at the GTech Community Stadium on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. This highly anticipated matchup is a rematch of the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs, where Ghana emerged victorious with a 1-1 score after a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Coach Otto Addo will lead a youthful squad, missing key players like Mohammed Kudus, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Thomas Teye Partey, and Inaki Williams. The Black Stars aim to avenge their 2-1 loss to Nigeria in March last year and progress to the final, building on their recent wins in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
The rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria, famously known as the “Jollof derby,” has a rich history, with 56 encounters between the two teams. Ghana leads with 22 wins, while Nigeria has 13 victories, and 21 draws. The Super Eagles have won three of their last five meetings, including the last encounter being the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) qualifier in Uyo.
Otto Addo expressed his excitement ahead of the match, acknowledging the importance of the rivalry and the potential to get fans back on track with a win. The Black Stars will feature Jordan Ayew and a mix of experienced and young players, while Nigeria will rely on talents like Wilfried Ndidi, Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Simon Moses, Frank Onyeka, Stanley Nwabali and Samuel Chukwueze following the absence of Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
The match is scheduled for May 28, 2025, at 19:45 GMT at the GTech Community Stadium, the home ground of English Premier League side Brentford FC.
The winner will face Jamaica in the final on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and all the clubs participating in this weekend’s competitions will pay special tribute in honour of the memory of the late Dominic Frimpong of Berekum Chelsea FC (on loan from Aduana FC).
The GFA has in a statement announced that all the players and team officials of the 6 clubs playing this weekend competitions will wear black armbands on their jerseys as a mark of respect during their respective matches.
In addition, a minute of silence will be observed before the commencement of each game in his honour. This tribute will take place during the MTN FA Cup semi-final matches as well as the Women’s Premier League final scheduled for this weekend.
“The GFA counts on the full cooperation of all clubs and the fans in respectfully observing these arrangements as we collectively pay tribute to Dominic Frimpong,” the statement added.
The FA expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their understanding and support in these times.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Daniel Laryea will handle the MTN FA Cup semifinal clash between Aduana FC and Nations FC at the Swedru Stadium on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Roland Addy will serve as Assistant I, with Seth Abletor as Assistant II, while Adaari Abdul Lattif works as 4th Referee.
The match is scheduled for a 3:00pm kick-off at the Swedru Stadium on Friday, April 17, 2026.
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