International Football
Ghana dumps Nigeria out of World Cup, a flashback
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
On this date 49 years ago, a late minute goal scored by Ghana’s danger man, Kwasi Owusu sparked off riot in a World Cup qualifying tie between Nigeria and Ghana in Lagos. Scorelines were 3-2 in Ghana’s favour at the time of the riot.
FIFA later awarded the abandoned game 2-0 in Ghana’s favour. That was the last time Ghana had an edge over Nigeria in World Cup qualification series.
It was also the last time, a riot ever ensued in any international match involving the Nigeria national football team at home.
The Nigerian team had gone into the game with huge confidence having in the previous month won what was the country’s first ever continental honour in football, the gold medal of the 1973 All Africa Games in Lagos.
On the road to the victory, Ghana Black Stars were beaten 4-2 in the opening match.
With such confidence and playing at the then brand new National Stadium in Lagos where all previous opositions, except Algeria had been beaten silly, defeat never crossed the mind of any Nigerian football follower, let alone the players.
Before then, Nigeria had had a run of eight matches undefeated, winning seven and only drawing 2-2 with Algeria.
Boosted by the stats, the Nigerian side opened the game and within opening 15 minutes, Kenneth Olayombo had put Nigeria ahead.
That was taken to be an indication of better things to come. But barely three minutes later, Ghana equalised when their arrowhead man, Kwasi Owusu scored from the penalty spot.
Yakubu Mambo put Nigeria ahead again in the 23rd minute to enable Nigeria get a 2-1 lead into the halftime. But things turned awry in the second half as Owusu ran riots in the Nigerian penalty area.
Ten minutes into the second half, the rampaging Owusu levelled up for Ghana. While Nigerian threw everything upfront searching for a possible third goal to regain the lead.
The Ghanaians too became aggressive to the point that the Congolese referee, Paul Nkounkou sent off two players, Eric Amankwah in the 76th minute and later, Malik Jabir in the 83rd minute, reducing the Ghanaian team to nine men.
While the Nigerians were searching for a thrid goal and had thrown virtually all men upfront, a loose ball came to Owusu in the 87th minute and the cunny striker slotted it past Emmanuel Okala in goal!
The referee signalled a goal. The croowd did not take kindly to it, claiming Owusu who had just had a hattrick was offside.
The pitch invasion was followed by riot in which the Ghanaian team bus was burnt. The Nigerian government replaced the bus and had to send a special deligation headed by the then Lagos State Governor, Mobolaji Johnson to appease the Ghanaian ahead of the second leg match which ended goalless.
FIFA awarded the Lagos match by 2-0 to Ghana as it was treated as an abandoned match.
Ghana and Nigeria will again be engaged in another World Cup qualifiers next month.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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