The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Ghana’s Black Stars in a pulsating Unity Cup Tournament match at Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford on Wednesday, earning a spot in Saturday’s final.
The West London showdown kicked off with high intensity, as Nigeria’s Cyriel Dessers tested the Ghanaian defense early. In the 14th minute, defender Sodiq Ismaila’s precise cross found Dessers, who capitalized on a defender’s slip, chested the ball down, and fired past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Five minutes later, Samuel Chukwueze’s free-kick from 25 yards led to Nigeria’s second goal, with Semi Ajayi’s header deflecting off a Ghanaian defender to wrongfoot Asare.
Nigeria nearly extended their lead when Dessers’ cross went unconverted. Ghana fought back, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali redeeming an earlier error by making a crucial one-handed save to deny a Ghanaian effort. In the 32nd minute, Asare thwarted Nigeria’s Sikiru Alimi, while Alimi later cleared a dangerous Ghanaian free-kick.
The second half saw Ghana’s captain Jordan Ayew torment Nigeria’s defense with skillful play. His link-up with Christopher Bonsu Baah and Brandon Thomas Asante yielded Ghana’s lone goal in the 70th minute. Ayew nearly equalized in the 77th minute but missed the target.
Nigeria now faces Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz in Saturday’s final at 5 p.m. after Jamaica’s dramatic 3-2 win over Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors, sealed by a stoppage-time penalty.
Ghana will meet the Soca Warriors in the third-place match at 12:30 p.m.