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Nigeria’s Super Eagles are through to the final of the 2025 Unity Cup after edging past rivals Ghana 2-1 in a thrilling semi-final encounter at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on Wednesday night, Footynaija.com reports.
Cyriel Dessers, in red-hot form, was once again on the scoresheet as he continued his fine goalscoring run for both club and country.
The Glasgow Rangers striker opened the scoring to put Nigeria ahead before a Razak Simpson own goal doubled the lead.
Ghana fought back in the second half and pulled one back through Brandon Thomas-Asante, but Nigeria held on to seal the win and a place in Saturday’s final against Jamaica, who defeated Trinidad and Tobago in the other semi-final.
Dessers had also found the net when the two sides met in Marrakech last year – a 2-1 win for Nigeria – and he proved Ghana’s nemesis once again.
Team set-up and selection
Head coach Eric Chelle deployed a 4-3-1-2 formation, with a compact backline and an enterprising front three.
Stanley Nwabali started in goal, shielded by fullbacks Ismaila Sodiq and Bruno Onyemaechi, and centre-backs Semi Ajayi and Igoh Ogbu.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi anchored the trio alongside Frank Onyeka and Papa Daniel Mustapha. Up front, Samuel Chukwueze, Sikiru Alimi, and Dessers led the line.
The match also saw full debuts for Ogbu, Mustapha, and Alimi, as Chelle showed faith in Nigeria’s domestic league by starting three NPFL stars.
First half fireworks
It was a fast-paced and energetic first half, with both sides attacking with purpose, but it was Nigeria who edged ahead with two early goals.
In the 14th minute, Sodiq’s searching cross from the right was expertly chested down by Dessers, who fired a low shot past the goalkeeper to open the scoring – his third goal for Nigeria. The goal was a continuation of his fine form, having finished as top scorer in the Scottish Premiership this season.
Just five minutes later, Nigeria doubled their lead when a dangerous Chukwueze free-kick aimed at Ajayi was inadvertently headed into his own net by Ghana’s Razak Simpson.
The Super Eagles had opportunities to extend their lead, forcing three goal-line clearances from Ghana’s defenders.
Ghana, meanwhile, struggled in attack, only managing a single opportunity following a fumble by Nwabali – who quickly recovered to make a crucial save.
Ghana’s second-half response
The second half saw a clear momentum shift. Nigeria’s intensity dipped and Ghana took control, creating a flurry of chances.
They were rewarded in the 70th minute when Brandon Thomas-Asante capitalised on a defensive lapse to reduce the deficit.
Coach Chelle reacted by making multiple substitutions, introducing Moses Simon, Ahmed Musa, and Kelechi Iheanacho. Iheanacho had the ball in the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Despite Ghana’s late surge, Nwabali made a vital save to deny them a last-minute equaliser, preserving Nigeria’s narrow lead.
What’s next?
With the victory secured, Nigeria advance to the Unity Cup final against Jamaica on Saturday. Ghana will face Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place playoff on the same day.
