“We don’t hate each other” – Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan weighs in on Nigeria-Ghana jollof derby

Former Ghana and AFC Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan has revealed the true nature of the Jollof derby, the rivalry between the Black Stars and the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

Between Nigeria and Ghana are two Francophone countries in Benin Republic and Togo. Yet, both sides consider themselves neighbours, as well as rivals – a perfect dichotomy.

On and off social media, there's always a battle for whoever comes out on top in sports, music, movies, infrastructure, education, and sometimes governance.

In recent years, South Africa have entered the mix as well, with the competition of the men's and women's football teams building up a rivalry between the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons respectively.

Asamoah Gyan weighs in on Nigeria-Ghana jollof derby

The Ghanaian legend has some history against Nigeria, scoring a brilliant header against the Super Eagles in the AFCON 2010 semi-final, knocking them out and sending the Black Stars to the final.

Egypt defeated Ghana in the final, but the former Udinese striker, after his retirement, has revealed there's nothing serious in the banter between Nigeria and Ghana.

“It's a good rivalry, it's not something of hatred, we always want to challenge ourselves,” the 40-year-old said on the Rio Presents podcast.

“They always want to beat us at everything, with jollof, football, music, but at the end of the day, we love each other; it's a good rivalry.

“We don't hate each other at all; we just don't want the other side to win in anything.

“It's like my brother and I having a friendly banter, we both want to win, but we don't want the other person to win.

“Ghana and Nigeria love each other, and I'm loving the rivalry,” the former Al-Ain striker concluded.

“At the end of the day, we love each other.”

Asamoah Gyan educates Rio Ferdinand about the Ghana and Nigeria rivalry. pic.twitter.com/Zc0Apmtl6s

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Nigeria and Ghana last met in the semi-final of the Unity Cup tournament in May 2025. The Super Eagles emerged on top, then secured victory against Jamaica in the final.