Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over their West African arch-rivals, Ghana's Black Stars, in a thrilling Unity Cup 2025 semi-final match. The encounter, played at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, London, saw Nigeria dominate the first half before weathering a spirited Ghanaian comeback in the second. With this win, Nigeria advances to the Unity Cup final where they will face Jamaica.

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Challe (also referred to as Eric Sekou Chelle), had highlighted the importance of this invitational tournament, alongside a future friendly against Russia, as crucial preparation for Nigeria's upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Several key players, including Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen, were rested for the Ghana clash. This provided a valuable opportunity for domestic-based players and forwards like Cyriel Dessers to make their mark.

Nigeria, the AFCON 2023 runners-up and fielding a more experienced squad that included several Nigeria Premier Football League players, took early control against a youthful and less seasoned Ghanaian side. Cyriel Dessers, reported as the Scottish Premiership’s top scorer this season, capitalized on his chance, opening the scoring in the 14th minute. The goal originated from excellent work by Remo Stars right-back Sodiq Ismail (also referred to as Ismaila Sodiq), who sprinted down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross. Dessers controlled the ball adeptly with his chest before finishing clinically past Ghanaian goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.

The Super Eagles doubled their advantage just five minutes later, around the 19th minute. A dangerous free-kick, reportedly taken by Samuel Chukwueze from the right side of the box, led to Ghanaian defender Razak Simpson inadvertently heading the ball into his own net. Nigeria nearly extended their lead further before halftime; however, a superb save from Benjamin Asare denied Wilfred Ndidi, and a subsequent goal-line clearance preserved Ghana’s hopes. The first half concluded with Nigeria firmly in control, having registered two goals while Ghana reportedly failed to record a single shot on target.

The second half painted a different picture, with Ghana returning from the break with renewed energy, resilience, and composure. The Black Stars began to exert pressure, and their efforts paid off in the 70th minute when substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante scored his first international goal to reduce the deficit. The Coventry City forward, who was one of the halftime substitutes, connected with a fine low cross from Ebenezer Annan from the left, volleying expertly past Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Ghana's debutant winger Christopher Bonsu Baah also caused problems for the Nigerian defence, supported by fellow halftime substitute Caleb Yirenkyi, a graduate of the Right to Dream Academy.

Ghana pressed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages of the match, dubbed the ‘Jollof derby’. Caleb Yirenkyi came close to marking his debut with a goal, while Abu Francis was denied by a brilliant late save from Stanley Nwabali after Andre Ayew played the pivot inside the box. Despite the late onslaught and several missed opportunities by the Black Stars, Nigeria's defence produced a remarkable display to repel the attacks and held firm to secure the 2-1 victory.

The Super Eagles will now prepare for the Unity Cup final on Saturday against Jamaica's Reggae Boyz. Jamaica, coached by Steve McClaren, earned their place in the final after a dramatic 3-2 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the other semi-final, an electrifying Caribbean clash. Richard King sealed Jamaica's victory by converting a stoppage-time penalty. Following their defeat, Ghana will face Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place playoff, with both fixtures set to take place at the Gtech Community Stadium. Coach Chelle had previously explained that resting key players like Osimhen and Lookman was a strategic decision to widen his consideration and assess a broader pool of talent available to Nigeria.