Nigeria’s Super Eagles recorded another win against fierce rivals Black Stars of Ghana thanks to a 2-1 triumph in the second semi-finals of the Unity Cup in London on Wednesday night.
The last time the two team’s clashed was also in a friendly game in March 2024 which the Super Eagles also won 2-1.
The Super Eagles dominated the first half and deservedly went into the break 2-0 up thanks to Cyriel Dessers opener and an own goal by Razak Simpson.
But it was a different Black Stars in the second half as they bossed the entirety of the next 45 minutes and pulled a goal back through Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Also Read: Tella Dismisses Talks Of Snubbing Super Eagles
Every effort to find the equaliser proved abortive as the Super Eagles held on to progress to Saturday’s final with Jamaica.
The Black Stars would hope to finish the tournament on a positive note when they face Trinidad and Tobago in the third-placed fixture also on Saturday.
The Super Eagles bossed the early exchanges and deservedly took the lead in the 14th minute through Dessers.
The Rangers striker controlled a cross from Sodiq Ismaila inside the box and slotted past the Ghanaian keeper.
In the 19th minute the Super Eagles doubled their lead as Semi Ajayi’s header off a set piece came off Black Stars player Simpson and rolled beyond the reach of the keeper.
With two minutes left to play Frank Onyeka’s attempted cross deflected off a Black Stars player and was heading into the back of the net but the keeper recovered well to palmed away for a corner.
In the second minute of first half stoppage time the Super Eagles almost added a third goal but the effort was cleared off the line after an initial save by the keeper.
It was a better performance in the second half by the Black Stars which saw them go close on several occasions.
Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho thought he had made it 3-0 on 68 minutes after firing past the keeper but it was ruled out for offside.
With 20 minutes left Ghana’s impressive second half display was rewarded as Thomas-Asante slotted home a cross from the left.
Six minutes later Jordan Ayew went close to leveling tje score but failed to direct a cross into the net.
In the 90th minute Nwabali came to the Super Eagles’ rescue as he got down well to stop a goal-bound strike after his defense had been brilliantly carved open.
By James Agberebi
24 Comments
I’ve previously criticised Dessers, but he surprised me today. He and Arokodare currently look like the most solid deputy No. 9s to Osimhen.
SE played well in the first half, but Ghana re-strategized and took over the mantle in the latter part of the second half.
Chelle was courageous in starting an almost entirely inexperienced team against Ghana, but it paid off.
Simon, Kelechi, and Musa would have done further damage, but Ghana started cutting off the midfield supplies.
Musa still has it. Ajayi was solid coming back into the fold, Bruno was a workaholic, and Kelechi was itching to make a statement, but the midfield fell flat in the second half.
it was a great Jollof derby with the NIgerian jollof topping the chart
Article writer didn’t lie. A game of two halves. Tension ran through my mind in the second half.
So many players were anonymous in the second half and they were supposed to be “fresh off the bench”.
Should we be worried that the eagles will always fizzle out in the second half of games?
It happened against Rwanda and Lesotho. Tonight was the worst. Then let’s be winning well in the first half then so that even if we are peppered in the second half, our first half result will ultimately count.
We were unrecognizable after half time.
Ghana is Nigeria wife
I like the fact that we showed great signs of breaking away from the over dependence on victor osimhen especially in our performance in the first half ..
I love the team play.(Collective attack and defence) In the first half only… But mehn what happened in the second half…
Nwabali should be careful not to be over confident oo..
He almost cost us a goal but love the way he reacted..good reflexes…
Finally its nice to see dessers…he should try and toughen up..his performance was still better that Boniface with the full blooded naija tough skin….
Nice and entertaining game ..
Can Nigeria be playing any team like they are Ghana?… honestly the energy and hunger its always different when its Ghana…
Appreciation to the complete sports website for activating the comment section. Abeg allow it to remain so
Enough of uncle Musa please !
Your time is up with the super eagle.
Thank you very much.
Byeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Good win against a very stubborn Ghanaian Black Stars. Coach Chelle almost handed the game to BS in the 2nd half by his ill-judged substitution bringing in 3 aged and tired legs- Musa, Iheanacho and even Moses Simon, who could not cope with the pace of the younger ghanaians.
I would have thought Chelle will bring in Nathan Tella in place of tired Chukwueze and bring in another midfielder in place of Ndidi.
Anyway lucky we won- two wins in 2 years against the arrogant Ghainians always wanting to measure Dick with their papa- SE.
Tella wasn’t in camp
Chelle by now should know players like MUSA and Iheanacho are supply’s to requirement. As soon as they both came in the whole organization of the team collapsed and we were lucky to defeat Ghana .
Please who wen de metch? I haves no data for wecthing eet. Eagle or Black Sters?
I say whu wonned de geme? De Black Sters or de Eagle? I didn’t saw eet due to no data
Whu winned de geme? De Black Sters or de Eagle? I didn’t saw eet due to no data
Whu wonned de geme? De Black Sters or de Eagle? I didn’t saw eet due to no data
Though Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal was judged offside, the technique and sense was superb. For me, he’s still the most technical-finisher Nigeria has produced in the last decade (or more). His only problem is laziness and inability to track back and defend. Look at that pass to Dessers, it was similar to Kevin De Bruyne esq pass. Those IQ level is what Moses Simon lacks.
Surprisingly, Iheanacho is yet to lose to any Ghanaian team. At the U-17, him and Isaac success finished Ghana 6-1. For Super Eagles Kumasi, it was 0-0. Eguavoen benched him in the return leg and lost the world cup ticket.
By the way, it was a good match. My observations:
1. Dessers was good with hold-up play and finishing but lacks pace. He’ll be more suited as a support striker.
2. Nwabali must be careful with his overconfidence. Made a fantastic save in the second half.
3. Sadiq played a great game. He should be given more opportunities.
4. Our centerbacks were solid in the first half but disorganised towards the end of the game.
5. Chukwueze did well with some skills and dribbling.
6. Ndidi was solid.
7. Super Eagles really missed Frank Onyeka in those World Cup Qualifiers. He’s a real tank. For me, he should be untouchable for now. Against South Africa (in September), we need a player like Onyeka to battle and disrupt their midfield.
8. Moses Simon still doesn’t want to mature in football. Always playing like a school kid.
9. It was nice to see Ahmed Musa again. But do we really need him?
10. I think Eric Chelle is a decent coach.
11. I’ll like to see Christantus Uche play. We need that energy in midfield.
Can Nigeria still qualify for World Cup? If 3 points is deducted from South Africa, Nigeria can still qualify by winning the remaining games.
Congratulations Dessers for the pepper dem. Chelle please do you have a problem with Tella as well? Jamaican should be an easier tie so please let Tella have a run!
Ahmed Musa and Kelechi iheanacho has no business being in the super eagles even moses simon and Samuel Chukwueze are average players…. If the coach wants to succeed then he must shun godfatherism and external influence from the NFF and agents and stand his ground by inviting players only on merit .. He needs quality wingers and both holding and creative midfielders into the Super eagles if he truly wants to succeed on his job. After last night game i was wondering why had they not been inviting Cyriel Dressers to the super eagles still amazes me!!! Look at the Ghanian young subs that came in how mesmerizing are they especially their number 5 and the other wingers ..It shows that their FA mean business to rebuild a new team and with what i saw in the second half if they can improve on it, they are going to produce a great team to contend for titles while corrupt NFF continue to use super eagles to market average players and old cargoes Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho… Our wingers can hardly dribble pass defenders or make a meaningful impact nor crossing .It is a big shame !!! Why can’t they convince someone like Kazeem Olaigbe to play for super eagle and others that can make positive instant impact to the team? And why can’t the NFF shun corruption and do the right thing for once? Are they really cursed ?
My takes:
1. Kelechi “Senior Man” Iheanacho remains one of Nigeria’s most naturally gifted finishers. Give him the ball in the right pocket of space and you can almost smell the net ruffle. His composure and technique are top-tier, especially in tight situations. However, his off-the-ball work rate continues to be a worry. At times, he seems to float rather than press, stroll rather than sprint. In a system that demands high-intensity pressing and transitional play, he must evolve — not because he isn’t brilliant, but because brilliance alone won’t win you matches when the other team is outworking you. All these came to light once again in the match against Ghana.
2. Cyriel Dessers is criminally underrated. His game isn’t built on flair or explosive pace — it’s grounded in intelligent movement, brute strength, and a knack for bringing others into play. He doesn’t do too much, but what he does, he does well. His physicality and directness could complement Osimhen beautifully, potentially forming a devastating twin threat in the final third. Compared to the likes of Onuachu, Sadiq, or even Awoniyi, Dessers plays with a much higher football IQ and tactical awareness. If we truly want variety up front, ignoring Dessers is no longer Justifiable.
3. A pattern is emerging: the Super Eagles shine in the first 45, then stagger in the second. From Rwanda to Zimbabwe and most recently against Ghana, the team seems to lose steam post-intermission. Chelle’s high-intensity style is effective — but clearly unsustainable over 90 minutes without proper fitness conditioning. This isn’t a tactical flaw as much as it is a physical one. The coaching team must prioritize endurance if they want to see full-match execution of their tactical philosophy.
4. In Chelle’s midfield-diamond system, the traditional winger feels like an orphan. Moses Simon thrives in wide-open spaces, where he can isolate defenders and exploit width. But this formation strangles his natural game. He’s being asked to tuck in, combine centrally, and press with discipline — all of which fall outside his sweet spot. If this shape is here to stay, perhaps Simon should be used more situationally or off the bench as an impact sub.
5. Stanley Nwabali: Confidence or Complacency?
Nwabali is growing into a commanding presence, but lately, he’s dancing on the fine line between composure and carelessness. Against Ghana, his delay in releasing the ball nearly gifted the opposition a golden chance. In knockout football, those moments are unforgivable. Goalkeeping is 90% about decision-making. He must remember: confidence is good — until it becomes theatrical.
6. The Papa Daniel Mirage
Papa Daniel’s rise came with a lot of fanfare, but now that the hype smoke has cleared, we’re beginning to see the cracks. His cameo against Ghana exposed his rawness at the highest level. In contrast, Frank Onyeka reminded us why he’s a Premier League regular — relentless, disrptive, tactically alert. Replacing Onyeka with Papa in crucial qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe was baffling. Onyeka might not be flashy, but in Chelle’s system, his blend of aggression, discipline, and pressing intelligence is invaluable. Papa Daniel may grow into a star — but he needs time to dine with the big stars.
Final Word:
Despite all this, there’s no denying that the team has improved under Chelle. There’s more structure, identity, and purpose in our play. But for this new dawn to last, endurance and squad depth must catch up with tactical ambition. Consistency over 90 minutes will be key, and that requires more training camps, better player management, and ruthless honesty in squad selection.
Nigeria has the players. Now, we need the stamina — and the sense.
I wish Chelle can experiment a front 2 combo of Osimhen and Boniface with Lookman just behind them to pick up the loose balls in and around the 18 yard box.
I have a feeling we won’t have less than 2 goals in any game with these 2, except they’re playing against world class defenders.
Funny, it appears Chelle dropped Dessers for the Russia game and invited the ever underperforming Boniface instead.
I meant a combo of Osimhen and Dessers with Lookman behind them to kill off the second balls.
Not Boniface.
After watching the Eagles i feel coach chelle should experiment iheanacho and osimeh at the eagles attack i believe it will rain goals because iheancho can give intelligent passes and can shoot which will make osimeh get more oppurtunities and good passes.
@ Goodmann with kel
U know nothing about football. U be confirm mumu if yuh belive say na iheanacho Nigreain need
.That is how that another triblast mumu kel or what is calling for iheanacho and boniface – chaii! yuh pipo is just useless guys – yuh knows nothing about foosball. Ees a shame that mumu’s dem like una ees allowed to commet on Nigreains foosball
Lol. Where you dey since?? You just dey show face since like January.
Honestly..with what I have seen from iheanacho recently,there is no reason he should be any where near the national team. He is far from the same player Manchester city once had in their fold.. with the recent array of quality players available to Nigeria in the attacking department..it is beyond me how he keeps getting invited and even gets to playing time.