Unity Cup 2025: Otto Addo Eyes Win Over Nigeria in Jollof Derby, “I Want to Beat Them”
- Otto Addo has issued a subtle warning to Nigeria ahead of the Unity Cup semi-final showdown in London
- The 49-year-old tactician has faced Nigeria on three occasions in his two spells as Black Stars coach
- Ghana holds the advantage in the Jollof Derby against their arch-rivals, boasting 22 wins compared to Nigeria's 13
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The stage is set for yet another dramatic chapter in West Africa's fiercest football rivalry, and both sides are eyeing a spot in the final.
Ghana’s Black Stars are set to face familiar foes Nigeria in the semi-finals of the 2025 Unity Cup.
Source: Getty Images
Ahead of the highly anticipated fixture, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has fired a subtle warning to the Super Eagles.
The former Ghana international, now in his second spell at the helm, knows all too well what this match means.
The 49-year-old, who previously guided Ghana to World Cup qualification at Nigeria’s expense in 2022, is keen to rewrite the narrative after his team’s 2-1 defeat to the Super Eagles in March last year.
Despite a depleted squad missing several key names, including Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, and Inaki Williams, Addo is far from discouraged.
The coach sees this as a golden opportunity for his youthful side to rise to the occasion and build on their recent momentum from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they earned impressive wins over Chad and Madagascar.
Otto Addo fires subtle warning to Nigeria
Speaking ahead of the semi-final, he didn’t mince words when sharing his excitement and ambition.
"I'm really excited. Actually, the last time we lost one. So really, really want to, want to beat them," he told the media, as quoted by Ghanafa.org.
"I know about the rivalry. It's not only in England, but I think England has a very, very huge community of Nigerians and Ghanaians, so, but it's everywhere.
"And, yeah, it's very important. These games, even, I mean, we had recent good results, but in general, even if you have bad results these, these are the games where you can get the fans back on track.
"And so, I know the importance of these games. And like I said before, we are trying to do everything to win the scheme."
Source: Twitter
Ghana vs Nigeria: The battle for Jollof and bragging rights
When Ghana meets Nigeria, it’s never just about the game; it’s about legacy, pride, and who makes the better jollof rice.
Dubbed the "Jollof Derby", this age-old rivalry has produced 56 encounters filled with drama, emotion, and unforgettable moments.
Statistically, Ghana holds the edge with 22 wins compared to Nigeria's 13, while 21 of their meetings have ended in stalemates.
However, the recent trend has favoured the Super Eagles, who have claimed victory in three of the last five clashes, including the CHAN qualifier in Uyo, per the BBC.
But numbers don't always tell the full story. With a place in the Unity Cup final at stake and a chance to face Jamaica in the final, both sides will approach this contest with everything they’ve got.
Jordan Ayew issues rallying cry ahead of Nigeria showdown
In a related story, YEN.com.gh highlighted Jordan Ayew’s rallying cry to his teammates ahead of the 2025 Unity Cup in London.
The Black Stars captain voiced the squad's commitment to representing Ghana with pride, stating, “We are looking forward to an intense battle on the pitch and making our country proud.”
Source: YEN.com.gh
