Ghana risks losing its long-standing football bragging rights in West Africa if Nigeria wins the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), particularly with the Black Stars absent from the tournament.

The Super Eagles have made an impressive start to the competition in Morocco, winning their opening two matches and securing qualification to the Round of 16. Their strong showing has reignited discussions about the long-standing rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria and the potential shift in regional football dominance.

Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2025

Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON after a disappointing qualifying campaign, marking the first time in two decades that the Black Stars will miss Africa’s premier international tournament. Drawn in Group F, Ghana went winless in six matches, recording three draws and three defeats to finish with just three points out of a possible 18.

Key setbacks included a 1–1 draw against Angola, a 2–1 home defeat to Niger—during which Mohammed Kudus missed a crucial penalty—and earlier losses to Angola and Sudan. Persistent attacking inefficiency and inconsistency ultimately left Ghana bottom of the group, while Angola and Sudan secured qualification.

Following the failed campaign, head coach Otto Addo accepted responsibility and pledged to rebuild the team amid strong criticism from supporters, analysts, and football administrators. However, Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has somewhat eased pressure on the coach and his squad.

Nigeria’s opportunity to match Ghana’s AFCON record

With Ghana out of the tournament, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire have a clear opportunity to match the Black Stars’ historic AFCON record. Ghana currently ranks as the third most successful nation in AFCON history, having won the competition four times.

A triumph for either Nigeria or Côte d’Ivoire at AFCON 2025 would see them equal Ghana’s total of four titles. For Nigeria in particular, the tournament carries added significance, as the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and can therefore fully focus on continental success.

Given the intensity of the Ghana-Nigeria rivalry, a fourth AFCON title for Nigeria would represent a major symbolic blow to Ghana’s long-held regional supremacy.

Call for focus ahead of the World Cup

Speaking to YEN.com.gh, Ghanaian sports journalist Michael Akomeah urged the Black Stars to treat their AFCON absence as motivation rather than a setback.

“Ghana may be missing from AFCON, but the focus now shifts to the World Cup,” Akomeah said. “The pressure is on Otto Addo and his squad to ensure that this absence does not affect their performance on football’s biggest stage.”

Nigeria named among AFCON favourites

Earlier, former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan identified Nigeria as one of the favourites to win the 2025 AFCON. Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer acknowledged the Super Eagles’ quality and depth, further underlining the threat they pose to Ghana’s historic standing in African football.

As AFCON 2025 unfolds, the outcome may significantly reshape the balance of power in West African football, with Ghana’s dominance facing its sternest challenge in years.

Source: Yen.com.gh