Ghana’s men created history with their first win over rivals Nigeria, while the result was reversed in the women’s game between the nations. The doubleheader, at the University of Ghana grounds in Accra, saw Ghana’s men triumph 36-24, Elvis Ayertey - who made a big impact off the bench - with two of their seven tries, but the Green Falcons continued their dominance, running away with a 42-8 success in the women’s match, Success Iyoha claiming a second half hat trick.

Ghana’s men built an impressive lead in the opening forty minutes of their clash, Levi Osei and Richard Browne going over inside the opening fifteen minutes, Julius Godwin Ushe cutting the deficit. Winger Godfred Aikins and fullback Abdul Jalilu Yussif crossed within three minutes of each other to help establish a 24-6 home advantage at the break.

Lewis Boye extended the Ghana lead two minutes into the second half, but Christian Williams’s interception and long range try gave Nigeria hope, Gabriel John – who also kicked four goals - sniping over soon after to further narrow the gap, before Ayertey’s second effectively secured victory on the hour.

Ghana men’s head coach, Andy Gilvary, commented: “We have come a long way in the last six years in the things we needed to work on, physicality and the way we manage the game. The boys put it all together and you can see the performance programme is starting to have an effect. It was a great advert for rugby league in Africa.

Opposite number, Samson Okewo, noted: “It was a fantastic occasion for our women and men. The men were challenged, it was a very tough game, but Ghana deservedly held on for their win. The women continued their development.”