Nigerians troll Ghanaians following their defeat to Cape Verde

The longstanding rivalry between football powerhouses Nigeria and Ghana has flared up once again on the continental stage. In a dramatic turn of events at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Cape Verde secured a victory over Ghana with a last-minute goal, propelling them to the top of Group B.

The decisive moment came in the 92nd minute when Garry Rodrigues capitalized on a defensive lapse in the Black Stars’ backline, tapping the ball into an empty net. Ghana’s hopes were further dashed as a goal, disallowed for offside just before halftime, added to their woes.

Earlier in the match, Cape Verde had taken the lead with a goal from Jamiro Monteiro. Despite the setback, Ghana managed to level the score with Alexander Djiku’s well-executed diving header. However, the defensive vulnerability in the crucial moments of the game proved costly for the Black Stars.

With this unexpected loss, Cape Verde now leads Group B by two points, benefitting from Egypt’s earlier 2-2 draw with Mozambique in the same group.

The defeat for Ghana comes on the heels of the Super Eagles of Nigeria playing to a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their opening group game. Victor Osimhen’s quick equalizer saved Nigeria from a potential upset after Iban Salvador had opened the scoring for the underdogs. Despite Osimhen missing a late chance, the Super Eagles were held at bay by the resilient goalkeeping of Jesus Owono.

Currently, both Nigeria and Ghana find themselves trailing behind Ivory Coast in the group standings. Ivory Coast secured a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau on the opening day of the tournament, putting them in the top spot.

The traditional banter between Ghana and Nigeria, a customary aspect of their football rivalry, spilled onto social media after their respective matches. Ghanaians took the opportunity to tease their Nigerian counterparts following the Super Eagles’ draw against Equatorial Guinea. However, the narrative swiftly changed as Nigerians responded in kind after Ghana’s loss to Cape Verde.

The banter between the two nations began even before the start of the AFCON, with both teams arriving in traditional attire and engaging in friendly banter. This light-hearted exchange is expected to continue throughout the tournament, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans on social media.

Looking ahead, the Super Eagles will face Cote d’Ivoire in their next match, aiming to secure a victory and improve their standing in the group. On the other hand, Ghana will seek to bounce back from their defeat when they take on Egypt in their upcoming fixture, scheduled for Thursday, January 18, 2024. As the tournament progresses, the intense rivalry between these West African nations promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.