A cool finish by Cyril Dessers on his return to the Super Eagles helped Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1 in the semi-final of the 2025 Unity Cup.
The Nigeria-Ghana rivalry came to the fore with feisty tackles, yellow cards, and fans of both countries backing their team for the win.
Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle selected three NPFL stars in his starting line-up, and one of the stars provided the first goal.
The Super Eagles began on the front foot, scoring two goals in 20 minutes.
Dessers calmly chested Sodiq Ismail’s perfect cross before slotting the ball beyond Asare in Ghana’s goal for the first.
Minutes later, Semi Ajayi gets on the end of another fine cross, and a deflection guides it into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.
Ghana took the second half by storm, dominating the game and scoring a goal to reduce the deficit.
A beautiful attacking move down the left, a brilliant cross, and a one-time effort from Thomas Asante brought Ghana back into the game.
Ghana came close to the equaliser after Jordan Ayew played a beautiful through pass for Samed, but Nwabali saved.
As Nigeria beat Ghana, the Super Eagles will play Jamaica in the 2025 Unity Cup final on Saturday.
Nigeria is the defending champions of the Unity Cup, winning it last time out in 2004.
