Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has shared his disappointment over Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite their strong performance in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Onyeka, who plays for Bundesliga side Augsburg on loan from Brentford, spoke candidly about the setback for their West African rivals in an exclusive interview with Joy Sports.
“I was sad for them,” Onyeka admitted, referencing Ghana’s struggle in the AFCON qualifiers. “I know they didn’t play well in the AFCON qualifiers, but they’re almost through to the World Cup. It’s always good to have Ghana in international competitions — I have friends in the Ghanaian team.”
This comment highlights the mutual respect between the two nations, which, despite their fierce football rivalry, share a deep sense of camaraderie. Onyeka, who is set to feature for Nigeria in the upcoming Unity Cup, was quick to acknowledge that both nations’ football journeys are intertwined by a shared history of competitive and cultural exchanges.
The 27-year-old midfielder will be part of the Super Eagles squad for the Unity Cup 2025, a friendly tournament that will reignite the long-standing rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana.
The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, both on and off the pitch, as the two nations battle for supremacy not only in football but also in the cultural stakes—most notably over the celebrated dish, jollof rice.
“I am looking forward to that game,” Onyeka said, expressing his excitement for the upcoming showdown. “It is always a big rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, and it’s good to have this Cup game to bring the country together. Hopefully, we will win against Ghana.”
While the Unity Cup will provide both teams with an opportunity to experiment and test their squads ahead of crucial international fixtures, Onyeka’s optimism remains rooted in Nigeria’s prospects for World Cup qualification.
Despite a tough run in their qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles still have hope, with Onyeka stressing that Nigeria must win their remaining four matches to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
“We still have a chance to qualify. We have to win the rest of our four matches, and hopefully, we will qualify,” Onyeka said with unwavering belief.
