This match marked a significant milestone for Ghana rugby, especially considering Nigeria’s prolonged absence from competitive rugby due to the country’s federation being dissolved on May 4, 2021, and only recently getting a new leader on October 26, 2025.

A Solid Start

The first half produced some wonderful performances from both teams as the Eagles dominated and pinned the Black Stallions for most part of the game. It ended 26-6 against Nigeria.

Second-Half Resolve

Ghana scored 12 points in the second half, while Nigeria scored 6. Despite their defeat, Nigeria’s captain, Obi Wilson, praised the Ghanaian team’s performance and acknowledged the competitive spirit of the match.

The captain Obi Wilson pledged to use this game as a turn around as they seek to bounce back.

“We will go back home and get ourselves prepared for our next games. We believe it’s friendly, and we didn’t lose, we go back home and get better. We still have more friendlies to play, and our team will get better,” he said.

The head coach, Collin Osborne was full of optimism after the match.

“It’s great to see the game growing in Ghana. I’ve been working with the Ghana Rugby Football Union for seven to eight years now,” he told the media.

I’m very happy for today’s victory. Any nation that has a natural rival is important because it builds the atmosphere and grows the game in both countries.”

Captain Lukman Yaya on his impression of the game stated

“I am very impressed with our performance today. Some of us came to join the other local players in Ghana, and we only had one training session with the coach on Friday. Any African team that wants to play us, we are ready.”

Rafatu Inusah, President of Ghana Rugby Football Union, expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the 2025 Rugby Heritage Cup. Here’s what she said:

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one that made today possible, including you, the media. And of course, to our Nigerian friends, thank you for coming and honouring our invitation. There should be a return match in Nigeria, hopefully next year.”

She further stated: “Team Ghana, the Eagles played their best. It’s sports, and we are happy they won. At the end of the day, it’s all about sports, and we go back united again. To our corporate bodies, we want to say thank you very much, Kivo, Sunda, Interplast, KEDA, and all our sponsors; we’re very grateful.”

The President also announced the Eagles’ upcoming match against Ivory Coast on December 3 at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium.

A Call for More Competitive Rugby in West Africa

The President of Rugby Africa, Mr. Herbert Mensah, highlighted the region’s potential and the need for stronger structures to advance the sport. He stressed the importance of regular high-level competition across the sub-region, citing East Africa’s consistent rugby matches as an example.

About the 2025 Heritage Cup

The 2025 Heritage Cup brings Ghana and Nigeria face-to-face in a thrilling rugby showdown, celebrating unity, pride, and African sporting excellence. The tournament aims to strengthen Ghana-Nigeria ties through rugby development and positive rivalry.

Credit: GRFU Communications

The Heritage Cup is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of unity, pride, and African excellence. It’s a symbol of brotherhood and a powerful step towards strengthening rugby union relationships between Nigeria and Ghana. The match is expected to be a showcase of high-intensity action, cultural energy, and unforgettable moments that will leave spectators in awe.

The rivalry between the two West African nations is well-documented, and this match promises to be a thrilling encounter that will pit the skills and determination of both teams against each other. With kick-off set for 3:30 PM Ghana Time, rugby fans and sports enthusiasts alike are encouraged to come out in large numbers to support their teams and witness the excitement firsthand.

The 2025 Heritage Cup is a testament to the growing popularity of rugby in Africa and the region’s commitment to promoting the sport. As the two nations face off in this highly anticipated match, fans can expect a game that will be remembered for a long time. So mark your calendars, get your tickets, and be part of the excitement as Ghana

takes on Nigeria in the 2025 Heritage Cup.

Match Details

 University of Ghana Stadium, Accra

 29th November 2025

3:30PM

Where to watch the game:

Ghana Rugby Football Union on Facebook and  Omashi TV/ Facebook

Credit: Sammy Heywood Okine

The event formed part of the “Prison 360” initiative introduced by Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service which seeks to provide inmates with a platform to showcase their talents and support their transformation through positive engagement.

Under the theme, “using sports as a tool for inmates’ reformation and rehabilitation”. The maiden edition of the “Prison Battle” came alive with fierce contests, as inmates and officers exhibited raw power and passion for the sport of Armwrestling.

As cheers and chants echoed in support of favourite contestants, the tension rose steadily, with some spectators also taking time to study the skills and techniques in Armwrestling.

A show of strength in the men’s 60 to 70kg division saw Daniel Yaw Bortey crushed his rivals to take first place, leaving Attah Yao to finish runner-up.

Elsewhere in the men’s 71–81kg division, Wusah, showing no signs of fatigue, overpowered Paul Efebutse in a fiercely competitive battle to seal his spot.
Sixtus Boing topped the men’s 81kg to 90kg category whiles Samuel Oduro Asante also pinned down Eric Adjei Bawuah in the finals of the 90+kg division.

In the women’s category, Joy Joseph and SCO Evelyn Harvey both secured first place in the 70kg and 80kg division respectively while Veronica Djaasaa defeated Patience Botwe to win the 90+kg category.
Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation, in his speech said he was excited to partner with the Ghana Prisons Service to support this initiative.

He noted that armwrestling, which has gained global recognition, has already produced world champions for Ghana, hence the need to master the craft to achieve excellence.

He pledged that the Ghana Armwrestling Federation would be open to recruiting some of the top-performing Armwrestlers once they have completed their prison sentences.

Credit: Ghana Armwrestling