The Super Eagles of Nigeria kicked off their 2025 Unity Cup campaign with a gritty 2-1 victory over Ghana at the G-Tech Stadium on Wednesday, thanks to early strikes from Cyriel Dessers and Semi Ajayi, MySportDab Reports.
In a heated clash between two West African giants, both coaches — Nigeria’s Finidi George and Ghana’s Otto Addo — used the opportunity to blood new talents.
Ghana’s Eric Chelle handed four players their national team debuts, and they impressed in the early stages.
However, Nigeria seized control in the first half, with their attacking trio of Dessers, Samuel Chukwueze, and Sikiru Alimi causing constant problems. The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Dessers calmly finished off a precise cross from right-back Sodiq.
Just five minutes later, the Super Eagles doubled their lead. Chukwueze whipped in a dangerous free-kick from near the halfway line, and Ajayi rose highest in the box. His header deflected off a Ghanaian defender and trickled past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
Nigeria maintained dominance throughout the first half and could have added more, with Wilfred Ndidi and Dessers missing decent chances.
The second half told a different story as Ghana fought back with urgency. Their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Brandon Thomas-Asante pulled one back with a fine finish.
Despite late pressure from the Black Stars, Nigeria held firm to secure a hard-earned win and book their spot in the Unity Cup final.
The Super Eagles will now await the winner of Senegal vs Ivory Coast for the final showdown.
