Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a well-deserved 2-1 victory over their West African rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana, in the semi-final of the Unity Cup on Wednesday at the G-Tech Community Stadium.
Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring in the 14th minute, giving the Super Eagles an early lead. It marked his second goal against Ghana, having also found the net in Nigeria’s 2-0 friendly win in Marrakech, Morocco, back in March 2024—a historic victory that ended an 18-year winless run against their fierce rivals.
Razak Simpson’s unfortunate own goal in the 19th minute gifted Nigeria a second goal, capping off a commanding first-half display that strengthened their dominance over arch-rivals Ghana and secured their spot in the Unity Cup final.
Although Brandon Thomas-Asante pulled one back for the Black Stars in the 70th minute, it proved to be a mere consolation on a night that belonged to the Super Eagles.
Super Eagles blend youth and experience as Chelle eyes first silverware against Jamaica
Eric Chelle will have the chance to secure his first trophy as Super Eagles manager when his side takes on the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica in the Unity Cup final on Saturday at the GTech Community Stadium.
Against the Black Stars, the former Mali manager handed opportunities to fringe players, home-based talents, and recent call-ups, allowing them to showcase their abilities and stake a claim for a place in his Super Eagles squad.
NPFL stars Sikiru Alimi and Sodiq Ismail of Remo Stars, along with Niger Tornadoes' Papa Mustapha Daniel and Slavia Prague's Igoh Ogbu, were all handed starting roles by Eric Chelle, who also included Cyriel Dessers, Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, and Semi Ajayi in his line-up.
In the second half, Chelle introduced veteran Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, and Collins Chinemerem Ugwueze, but the substitutes made little impact as the Super Eagles’ first-half intensity waned after the break.
