The Super Eagles of Nigeria have booked their place in the Unity Cup final after battling to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana at the Gtech Community Stadium in London, Footynaija.com reports.
A feisty start from both sides saw Nigeria take the initiative after Cyriel Dessers’ opener was followed by an own goal from Ghana’s Razak Simpson. Brandon Thomas-Asante pulled one back for the Black Stars in the second half but the Super Eagles held on to book a date with Jamaica in the final.
After a highly entertaining game, Footynaija.com takes a look at how each Super Eagle fared against the Black Stars.
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GK: Stanley Nwabali – 6.5
Put in a decent performance overall, however, he had some nervy moments which could have proven to be costly for Nigeria. His stop late on in the game to deny Abu Francis a debut goal probably won the game for the Super Eagles.
RB: Sodiq Ismaila – 6.8
One of Nigeria’s many debutants, Ismaila was full of energy and vigour, especially in the first half. His searching cross into the box found Dessers who broke the deadlock.
CB: Semi Ajayi – 6.8
Ajayi returned to the national team after missing out last time due to injury. The former West Bromwich Albion defender was solid all night, save for that moment when Ghana got their goal. His header was also deflected into the net for Nigeria’s second.
CB: Igoh Ogbu – 7.0
The Slavia Prague defender was impressive on his debut for Nigeria. Alongside Ajayi, he marshalled that Super Eagles defensive area quite well, hardly giving anything away all game.
LB: Bruno Onyemaechi – 6.5
Onyemaechi looked lively in the first half but his impact on the game gradually dwindled as Ghana’s attack gained traction in the second half.
CM: Wilfred Ndidi – 7.0
The Leicester City man was a machine for the Super Eagles in the middle of the park. Ndidi struck a fine balance between defense and attack with one of his attacking forays nearly yielding fruit.
CM: Frank Onyeka – 7.0
Alongside Ndidi, the Brentford star took charge of the midfield for Nigeria, whether it was breaking up play, drawing fouls or setting up attacking sequences from the middle of the park.
CM: Papa Daniel – 6.8
Daniel was making only his second appearance for the Super Eagles but the Niger Tornadoes midfielder looked like a player with years of experience under his belt. An impressive display from the NPFL star.
LW: Sadiku Alimi – 6.5
Alimi was quite lively in the first half of his international debut for Nigeria. However, just like Onyemaechi, the Remo Stars forward found it difficult to impose himself in the second half.
RW: Samuel Chukwueze – 7.0
Chukwueze enjoyed a great game on the night, popping up in spaces and always looking to create some final third action. His sublime delivery was met by Ajayi whose header was deflected into the net.
ST: Cyriel Dessers – 7.5
The Rangers man carried his amazing form with him on international duty, bagging the opener in the 15th minute to set Nigeria up for their victory. Dessers was heavily involved all game and his goal proved to be vital.
Substitutes
Kelechi Iheanacho – 6.0
Iheanacho almost made an instant impact for Nigeria, tucking the ball into the back of the net just minutes after coming in but he was rightly adjudged to be offside.
Ahmed Musa – 6.0
The Super Eagles veteran was full of energy when he came with just over half an hour played. Musa thought he marked his Super Eagles recall with an assist only for the offside flag to deny him.
Moses Simon – 5.5
Simon is usually an impact player but he was unusually quiet after coming on as a substitute alongside Musa and Iheanacho.
