Obaa Sima hitmaker praises Ghana’s teamwork over Nigeria’s individual brilliance ahead of 2025 Unity Cup clash
Popular Nigerian music sensation, Fireboy DML, has stirred fresh debate among football fans across West Africa after boldly declaring that Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, are currently a better side than Nigeria’s Super Eagles. The “Peru” hitmaker made this assertion during a recent appearance on the “90s Baby Show,” a widely followed podcast based in Nigeria.
According to the award-winning artist, while Nigeria arguably boasts a stronger crop of individual talents, it is the Ghanaian national team that performs better collectively as a unit. The comments come at a time when tensions and expectations are rising ahead of the 2025 Unity Cup showdown between the two football giants in London next month.
“Right now, Ghana is a better team [than Nigeria’s Super Eagles]. Individually, we [Nigerians] are better. But as a team, Ghana is better,” Fireboy said during the interview.
Teamwork vs Individual Talent
The Afrobeats star—whose real name is Adedamola Adefolahan—noted that Nigeria’s football system continues to struggle with building synergy among its array of world-class talents. He expressed concern over the Super Eagles’ inability to effectively gel as a team, especially in midfield, a department he believes gives Ghana the edge.
“For some reason, we have not been able to combine the brilliance of each player to form a solid team. I think it will take time. We have a lot of talents but we have not been able to utilise them,” he lamented.
He went further to emphasize that Ghana’s midfield, anchored by experienced Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, currently surpasses what Nigeria can offer.
“Unlike Ghana, we don’t have a good midfield. Thomas Partey alone—we don’t have a midfield to battle that,” he said. “You saw how Partey handled Real Madrid during their Champions League clash with Arsenal. We don’t have that.”
Unity Cup Clash Adds Fuel to the Rivalry
The remarks come just weeks ahead of the much-anticipated Unity Cup, scheduled for May 2025 in London. The friendly fixture between Nigeria and Ghana is expected to reignite one of Africa’s most intense football rivalries, drawing fans and pundits from both sides into heated debates.
Ghana and Nigeria have faced off in several memorable encounters over the years, including their dramatic 2022 World Cup qualification playoff in which Ghana stunned Nigeria in Abuja to book a ticket to Qatar.
For many fans, Fireboy DML’s comments may feel like a fresh twist in the long-running football saga between the two West African powerhouses.
Mixed Reactions from Fans Online
Fireboy’s candid analysis has already begun to spark a range of reactions on social media. While some Nigerian fans viewed his statement as unpatriotic or overly critical, others acknowledged the validity of his argument—pointing out the Super Eagles’ recent inconsistency and lack of cohesion.
On the Ghanaian side, many supporters welcomed Fireboy’s praise as a recognition of the team’s recent improvements under new management. Several fans online thanked the singer for his “honest observation,” while calling for the Black Stars to continue building on their team chemistry and tactical discipline.
“Fireboy said the truth. We [Nigeria] have stars, but no real system. Ghana plays like a team,” a Nigerian Twitter user commented.
“He just gained new fans in Ghana!” another fan joked on X (formerly Twitter).
Ghana’s Tactical Evolution
Under the current technical setup, the Black Stars have made strides in strengthening their defensive organization and midfield structure. With Thomas Partey’s leadership, supported by promising young talents like Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ghana’s team has gradually shifted towards a more balanced and composed playing style.
Although the Black Stars have not had major tournament success in recent years, they’ve shown flashes of brilliance, including competitive performances during the 2023 AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria’s Golden Generation Under Scrutiny
In contrast, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, despite boasting a “golden generation” of elite players—such as Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi—have struggled with consistency and tactical clarity. The team has often been criticized for underperforming in major tournaments despite having some of the highest-rated players in Europe.
Fireboy’s comments reflect a growing concern among Nigerian football followers: that the team’s potential continues to go untapped due to poor management, lack of structure, and unstable coaching leadership.
Beyond Football: Fireboy’s Pan-African Identity
It’s not the first time Fireboy DML has spoken positively about Ghana. The singer, whose hit single “Obaa Sima” is delivered largely in Twi—a major Ghanaian language—has often credited the country for inspiring his creative growth and personal evolution.
Fireboy has spent considerable time in Accra over the past few years and has collaborated with Ghanaian artists, producers, and creatives. His music continues to receive strong support from Ghanaian fans.
As a cultural ambassador of sorts, Fireboy’s comments are likely driven by a sincere appreciation for the Ghanaian football ethos rather than national rivalry. His willingness to speak candidly may open the door for more pan-African conversations about collaboration, talent development, and strategic football growth on the continent.
Looking Ahead to London
With the Unity Cup in London drawing closer, the buzz around the match is reaching a fever pitch. Fans are eager to see whether Fireboy’s remarks will be validated on the pitch or if the Super Eagles will rise to the occasion and prove their critics wrong.
Whether you’re Team Ghana or Team Nigeria, one thing is certain—this clash is set to be one for the history books.
