The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Ghana 2-1 in the semi-final of the 2025 Unity Cup.
An early strike from Cyril Dessers and an own goal from Razak Simpson drowned out a second-half response from Brandon Thomas-Asante in a pulsating match at the G-tech stadium in London, UK, on Wednesday.
Unity Cup is a four-nation exhibition tournament, but the arch-rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana transcended the friendly connotation of the match.
The stadium started buzzing way before the first whistle even went for the latest instalment of the West-African derby.
Eric Chelle, Super Eagles head coach, handed appearances to three home-based players: Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila and Mustapha Daniel.
Dessers led the attack alongside Samuel Chukwueze, with Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka in the midfield.
Newcomer Igoh Ogbu, alongside Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyeamaechi, completed the starting line-up.
The reshuffled Super Eagles made their mark in the 14th minute. Sodiq of Remo Stars demonstrated why he remains the most hyped right-back in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The defender found Dessers with a pinpoint cross inside the Ghanaian box. The Rangers striker made no mistake with the goal begging.
Nigeria doubled the lead four minutes later when Razak Simpson bundled the ball into his team’s net.
The Super Eagles held on to the two-goal advantage till halftime, but Ghana struck back late in the second half through Thomas-Asante.
However, the late push by Ghana was insufficient to overturn the game, as Nigeria qualified for the competition final.
The Super Eagles will face Jamaica in the Unity Cup final on Saturday.
