This December, Ghana’s Black Queens are set to make history as they face England’s Lionesses in Southampton, putting Nigeria’s enduring record under scrutiny, according to Soccernet.ng.
The match scheduled for 2 December at St Mary’s Stadium marks the inaugural senior women’s international clash between Ghana and England.
For England, this will be their ninth encounter against an African team, with Nigeria standing as the only African nation to have defeated them.
In the early 2000s, the Super Falcons shocked the Lionesses twice, securing a 1-0 victory in July 2002 and following it up with a commanding 3-0 win two years later.
Overall, Nigeria holds a favorable record in their four meetings with England: two wins, one draw, and a single loss in regular time. Their latest encounter occurred at the 2023 World Cup in Brisbane, where England narrowly triumphed on penalties after a goalless draw.
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This impressive Nigerian streak has lasted for 23 years, with no other African team coming close to matching it. South Africa has challenged thrice but fell short with losses of 6-0, 1-0, and 2-1, while Cameroon’s sole attempt ended in a 3-0 defeat during the 2019 World Cup.
Now, Ghana has the opportunity to rewrite this history.
Coming off a strong semi-final showing at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria secured their record-extending 10th title, the Black Queens are eager to make their mark. Despite reaching the WAFCON final multiple times, Ghana has yet to claim the championship.
Prior to WAFCON 2024, Nigeria defeated Ghana 3-1 in a friendly, but the Black Queens are determined to deliver a memorable performance against England.
Under the guidance of head coach Kim Lars Björkegren, who led Ghana to a third-place finish at the 2024 WAFCON, the team aims to elevate their game by competing against elite squads like England.
Currently, Morocco and South Africa are viewed as the primary contenders capable of challenging Nigeria’s supremacy in African women’s football.
England, as reigning European champions and recent World Cup finalists, will present the toughest test yet for the Black Queens.
For Ghana, who have been steadily rebuilding after years overshadowed by Nigeria, the motivation lies in toppling one of the world’s elite teams and emulating the Super Falcons’ historic achievements.
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