Nigeria vs Ghana FIFA World Cup Qualifier Football Match Jollof Derby Preview African Qualifications

Nigeria vs Ghana FIFA World Cup Qualifier Football Match Jollof Derby Preview African Qualifications

Completely unrelated but Jollof has absolutely nothing to do with football. So how then does such a fierce rivalry clash get labelled by something so unconnected?

Jollof is a staple dish very popular in West Africa which originated from the Senegambian region – a geographical regional Senegalese river in the north and the Gambian river in the south. This region was ruled by the Jollof Empire, which is believed to have discovered jollof rice in the 14th century.

In recent times, Ghana and Nigeria have become the ambassadors of jollof rice fuelling a ‘Jollof war’ between both countries. Each country believes they make the best Jollof and this is an argument that has been ongoing for years now. This cuisine dispute is usually at its peak every August 22 which marks the celebration of “World Jollof Day”.

After the draw for the FIFA World Cup play-offs, Nigerian legend Daniel Amokachi said when Ghana and Nigeria play “it is no longer about football anymore.” There is history that suggests strained relations between both countries in the post-colonial era. The football match between the pair always reflects the long-standing socio-economic rivalry.

There is simply no game bigger for both countries. Nigeria have faced Ghana more than any other country. Across a 71-year spell, Nigeria have played Ghana 56 times. This will be the fifth time the two West African countries are playing each other in a World Cup qualifier after meeting in 1962, 1970, 1974, and 2002. In the most recent meeting in 2002, the Black Stars held the Super Eagles to a goalless draw in Accra, only to be thrashed 3-0 in Port Harcourt.

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