The Ghana FA has sent a glowing message to their Nigerian rivals as their English-speaking West African neighbours celebrate their 55th independence anniversary.

The Ghana Football Association, sent in their Independence greetings. “Happy Independence Day to our Nigerian siblings,” Nigeria’s neighbours and football rivals wrote.

As Nigeria marks 55 years as an independent country on Thursday, Super Eagles players have taken to Twitter to join millions of Nigerians both home and abroad to celebrate the day.

AS Monaco defender, Elderson Echiejile, calls on every Nigerian to live as one and in peace in his Independence Day message. “As we mark our 55th Independence Day today, I urge us all to continue to live in oneness. Let’s make our country greater.”

“The strength of any nation is in her unity. May we continue to live in peace and make a greater nation. Happy Independence,” he wrote.

Injured Eagles central defender, Kenneth Omeruo, also had an Independence Day message to his compatriots. “Happy Independence day to all Nigerians all over the world,” Omeruo wrote on Twitter.

Haugesund defender, William Troost-Ekong, tweeted: “Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Nigerians. 55 years and counting.” Watford striker, Odion Ighalo, added: “God bless Nigeria. Happy Independence.”