The Chairman of the Unified Supporters Club of Nigeria, Vincent Okumagba, has said that the Black Stars of Ghana triumphed over Panama in their opening game of the ongoing World Cup in Toronto, Canada, partly because of Nigerians’ support.

Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 in their first group match in the early hours of Thursday in Toronto, Canada.

Caleb Yirenkyi scored the only goal deep in stoppage time by finishing a sweeping counterattack with a tap-in goal to give Ghanaians a last-gasp win over Panama in rainy Toronto.

The goal was followed by a melee before the referee blew the full-time whistle.

Speaking with The Guardian shortly after the match, Okumagba stated that though Ghanaians came in their thousands, members of the Unified Supporters and Nigerian residents in Toronto and its environs played a huge role in the victory.

“I am happy our support for Ghana’s Black Stars eventually paid off,” Okumagba said yesterday. “At a point, some Ghanaian supporters looked tired, and they stopped drumming, but as usual, we kept hitting our drums harder to ginger the players on the pitch. It paid off in the end, and we are very happy.”

Ghana’s victory over Panama brought the number of African teams that won their first group match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire had earlier defeated Ecuador 1-0, while four other African countries secured a draw. Morocco, Egypt, Cape Verde and DR Congo all got one point each, while four other African teams, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria and Senegal, fell to their opponents.

Okumagba said they are going to continue their support for African teams in the World Cup since the Super Eagles could not make it to the party.

The battle of Toronto was not an easy one for Ghana. Panama were the superior team before half-time, while Ghana dictated more of the play after the interval in the Group L encounter.

Africa’s next game was the Bafana Bafana of South Africa’s encounter with the Czech Republic in their second group match after losing 2-0 to host, Mexico, in the tournament’s opening match.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw and now South Africa will face the dangerous South Korea in their last group match.
The Bafana Bafana must win that game to survive as either the second-placed team or one of the eight best third placed teams.