Nigeria 2 Ghana 1: Dessers scores against Black Stars again, no debut for Felix Agu

Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Ghana 2-1 in an international friendly at the Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday, with first-half goals proving enough to secure the win. 

The result sees Nigeria advance to face Jamaica in the final of the Unity Cup after the Reggae Boyz defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 on Tuesday.

There was no debut for Felix Agu, with the Werder Bremen fullback left on the bench for the entirety of the game.

Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 14th minute with a composed finish inside the box, chesting down a cross and drilling a right-footed shot past Ghanaian goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim. 

He netted his second goal against the Black Stars, adding to his strike in a March 2024 friendly against the four-time African champions.

Just five minutes later, the Super Eagles doubled their lead after Ghana’s Razak Simpson headed a free kick into his own net, handing Nigeria a commanding 2-0 advantage.

Ghana struggled to respond in the first half, managing only sporadic attacks as Nigeria controlled proceedings. 

The game turned more physical as tempers flared, with yellow cards shown to Ghana’s Kamaradini Mamudu and Salis Abdul Samed, as well as Nigeria’s Sodiq Ismail and Igoh Ogbu.

The second half saw improved urgency from Ghana. In the 70th minute, Brandon Thomas-Asante pulled one back for the Black Stars with a precise left-footed finish following a low cross from the flank. 

Nigeria looked to restore their two-goal lead shortly after, but Kelechi Iheanacho’s effort was ruled out for offside.

Despite Ghana’s late push, including a near equaliser from Abu Francis in the 87th minute, Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali stood firm with a crucial save to preserve the win. 

Substitute appearances from veterans like Ahmed Musa and fresh faces such as Emmanuel Onyebuchi allowed Nigeria to manage the closing stages effectively.

Wale Adejumo

Photo Credit: Ghana FA

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