Ghana head coach Otto Addo has declared his intent to claim revenge against Nigeria as the Black Stars gear up to face their fierce rivals in a high-stakes friendly match in London on Wednesday, May 28.
Despite the fixture being part of the Unity Cup and classified as a friendly, Addo has made it clear that the clash means far more than a routine international outing.
The encounter, often dubbed the “Jollof Derby,” is one of the most passionate rivalries in African football, and the Ghanaian coach has his sights set firmly on victory.
“I’m really excited. Besides, last time we lost, so I really want to beat them,” Addo admitted, referencing their most recent meeting in which Nigeria emerged victorious. Goals from Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman sealed that win for the Super Eagles, a result that still stings for the Ghanaian tactician.
The two sides are no strangers to high-tension battles, and even in the context of a friendly, the intensity between them rarely fades.
For Addo, this match is an opportunity to set the record straight—not only for himself but also for the fans who live and breathe the rivalry.
“These are the matches that get the fans back on track,” he said, underscoring the emotional and symbolic weight the game carries. Addo went further, promising Ghanaian supporters a result they can be proud of.
“It’s a friendly match, but not really friendly. Even though it will be difficult, we would like to win,” he stated firmly.
The coach’s candid remarks have only added to the anticipation surrounding the fixture.
With national pride and personal redemption on the line, Addo is treating the match with the seriousness of a competitive fixture, determined to reverse the narrative of the previous loss.
Ghana’s meeting with Nigeria may not offer points or tournament progression, but for Addo, the stakes remain high.
It’s a chance to restore pride, to fuel the passion of the fans, and to remind the continent that the Black Stars are still a force to reckon with.
With both sides preparing for what promises to be a fiery encounter, Wednesday’s match in London is set to deliver all the drama and intensity expected of one of Africa’s greatest football rivalries.
