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Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to lock horns with arch-rivals Ghana in an international friendly during the June FIFA window as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Footynaija.com reports.
The match against the Black Stars will be one of two friendlies lined up for Nigeria in June, with a fixture against Russia also on the schedule.
Although exact dates are yet to be confirmed, both games will serve as crucial tune-ups ahead of Nigeria’s pivotal qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa in September.
The Super Eagles have ground to make up in their World Cup qualification campaign after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe earlier in the week. That result left Eric Chelle’s side under pressure to get their campaign back on track, making these friendly matches an opportunity to refine tactics and boost squad morale.
Chelle confirmed the Ghana friendly following the Zimbabwe match, adding that he will also shift focus to Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in July before returning to the World Cup qualifying campaign later in the year.
Nigeria and Ghana have faced off in several high-profile encounters in recent times. The Super Eagles edged the Black Stars 2-1 in a friendly last March, with Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman on the scoresheet.
Highlights from our 3-1 win over Ghana at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 28, 2024
We are off to Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya!
Soar with us!#SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/uiKnmAgucy
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s home-based squad defeated Ghana 3-1 on aggregate in December to qualify for CHAN.
Despite these recent wins, Ghana have historically dominated the rivalry, winning 22 of their 56 meetings, while Nigeria have managed 13 victories and 21 draws.
With World Cup qualification at stake, the upcoming match will be more than just a friendly—it will be a test of readiness for both sides as they gear up for crucial fixtures later in the year.
