Nigeria defeated Ghana 2-1 to reach the Unity Cup final, where they will meet Jamaica on Saturday, according to reports. The match offered a valuable chance for Nigeria’s coach Eric Challe to prepare his squad ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Challe rested several key players, including Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen, allowing less experienced players and home-based talents like Cyriel Dessers to feature. Dessers opened the scoring in the 14th minute after a precise assist from Ismaila Sodiq, who sprinted down the right wing before delivering a perfect cross.
Nigeria extended their lead when Seyi Ajayi’s header deflected off Ghana’s Razak Simpson into the net for an own goal. The Super Eagles almost scored a third before halftime, with Benjamin Asare denying Wilfred Ndidi and a clearance off the line preventing another goal.
The Ghanaian side pushed back in the second half, reducing the deficit through substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante’s first international goal with 20 minutes remaining. Caleb Yirenkyi also made a strong impression on his Ghana debut, while Abu Francis narrowly missed an equalizer, denied by a vital save from Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali.
Coach Eric Challe commented on the win, saying, “I wanted to use this game and next month’s friendly against Russia as preparation for our World Cup qualifiers.” Despite Nigeria’s lead nearly slipping away, they managed to hold on and earn their spot in the final.
Jamaica, managed by Steve McClaren, will be Nigeria’s opponent after winning a thrilling 3-2 match against Trinidad and Tobago. Richard King scored a late penalty to secure the Reggae Boyz’s place in the final.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
