Super Eagles Edge Black Stars 2–1 to Reach Unity Cup Final

Summary

• Nigeria defeats Ghana 2–1 in Unity Cup 2025 semifinal at GTech Community Stadium, London
• Cyriel Dessers and a Ghana own-goal secure Nigeria’s early lead; Thomas-Asante nets Ghana’s consolation
• Nigeria advances to face Jamaica in final; Ghana set for third-place play-off against Trinidad & Tobago

London — In a thrilling chapter of the iconic Jollof Derby, Nigeria’s Super Eagles overcame the Black Stars of Ghana with a 2–1 win on Wednesday, May 28, to book their place in the Unity Cup 2025 final.

The high-stakes semifinal clash, played at the GTech Community Stadium in Brentford, London, was a showcase of pride, passion, and tactical prowess from two of Africa’s football heavyweights.

The GTech Community Stadium in Brentford, London, venue of the match

Nigeria came out flying, scoring twice within the first five minutes. Cyriel Dessers opened the account with a well-placed finish, before an own-goal from Ghana’s Razak Simpson doubled the Super Eagles’ lead.

Ghana’s woes were compounded by an early injury to debutant Aaron Essel, forcing coach Otto Addo into a quick reshuffle with Ebenezer Annan stepping in.

Despite a commanding first-half display by Nigeria, Ghana roared back after the break. Brandon Thomas-Asante netted his first international goal, sparking hopes of a comeback.

The Black Stars pressed hard, and substitute Abu Francis came close to leveling the game in injury time, but Nigerian keeper Stanley Nwabali pulled off a game-saving stop.

Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle deployed a diamond 4-1-3-2 formation, blending NPFL talent with European-based stars like Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, emphasizing a long-term strategy of building cohesion across tiers.

Ghana, meanwhile, leaned on experience from captain Jordan Ayew and youthful promise, but missed the influence of regulars like Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey.

The result propels Nigeria to the Unity Cup final on May 31 against Jamaica, while Ghana will take on Trinidad & Tobago in the third-place play-off. The Unity Cup, revived after 21 years, celebrates Afro-Caribbean footballing ties and serves as a crucial preparatory platform ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Though Ghana still leads the historical rivalry with 22 wins from 57 encounters, Nigeria has now claimed four victories from their last six meetings, including a 2–1 win in their March 2024 friendly.

The match drew widespread viewership via DSTV, Afro Sports, and NFF TV, with real-time updates lighting up social media. Fans lauded Nigeria’s first-half brilliance but flagged second-half complacency, while Ghana’s spirited fightback earned them plaudits despite the loss.

As both teams regroup, Nigeria marches on with confidence, one win away from reclaiming the Unity Cup crown they last held in 2004.