Nigeria’s Super Eagles overpowered arch-rivals Ghana 2-1 in the Unity Cup football tournament at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, sealing a place in Saturday’s final.
First-half goals from Cyriel Dessers and Semi Ajayi put Nigeria firmly in control before Brandon Thomas-Asante pulled one back for the Black Stars in the second half.
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The game kicked off at a high tempo in West London, with Dessers immediately putting pressure on the Ghanaian defence.
In the 14th minute, defender Sodiq Ismaila surged down the right flank and whipped in a cross. A slip from a Ghanaian defender allowed Dessers to chest the ball down and fire past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare for the opening goal.
Just five minutes later, Nigeria doubled their lead. Samuel Chukwueze delivered a free-kick from 25 yards, which Semi Ajayi met with a powerful header. The ball took a deflection off a Ghanaian defender, wrong-footing Asare and nestling in the net.
In the second half, Ghana captain Jordan Ayew proved a constant threat, combining well with Christopher Bonsu Baah and Brandon Thomas-Asante. Their efforts paid off in the 70th minute, as Asante netted a consolation goal to make it 2-1.
Ayew nearly levelled the score in the 77th minute but dragged his shot wide.
With the win, the Super Eagles of Nigeria booked a place in the final against Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, who edged Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors 3-2.
The final kicks off at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, while Ghana will face Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place match at 12:30 p.m.
