Cyriel Dessers Shines As Super Eagles Claim Victory Over Ghana in Unity Cup 2025

• Nigeria versus Ghana ended 2-1 in favour of the Super Eagles, who went through to the final of the Unity Cup 2025 in London
• The AFCON 2023 runners-up dominated the first half, and they found the back of the net twice to record a statement victory
• It was all about Ghana in the second half as the Black Stars pulled one back, but failed to equalise after fluffing several chances

The Jollof Derby arrived the UK as Nigeria and Ghana contested a 2025 Unity Cup semi-final on May 28 in London.

It was a fight to finish at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, with both teams dominating a half, respectively.

However, the Super Eagles scored two goals before half-time and outclassed the Black Stars to secure a place in the final.

The Scottish Premiership’s 2025 top scorer, Cyriel Dessers, proved his worth after stepping up in the absence of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

He opened the scoring in the 14th minute when he found the back of the net inside the area courtesy of the assist from Sodiq Ismail of Remo Stars.

Ismail found space on the right then crossed to the Rangers striker, who controlled the ball well before firing it past Ibrahim Danlad in the goal.

Five minutes later, the Super Eagles extended the lead to 2-0 from an own-goal by Razak Simpson, who headed into his own net in a bizarre moment.

His error came from a free kick from the right, with the defender rising high to clear it but instead heading it the wrong way to extend Nigeria's lead.

It was a different ball game in the second half of the Unity Cup tie, however, which was largely dominated by Ghana, as reported by The Standard.

The Black Stars came close in the 59th minute when Christopher Bonsu Baah crossed with his left foot, forcing Stanley Nwabali to make the save.

Brandon Thomas-Asante eventually reduced the deficit in the 70th minute after he received a low cross from the left side of the box, finished with his left foot and put the ball past Nigeria's goalkeeper.

The Black Stars should have restored parity in the 87th minute after Andre Ayew played the pivot inside the box and passed to Abu Francis who fired low, with Nwabali once again making a good save.

The match ended 2-1 to the Super Eagles, who will face Jamaica in the final on May 31. The Reggae Boyz defeated Trinidad and Tobago in the other semi-final fixture on Wednesday, as Yahoo reported.

Nigeria won the last edition of the competition back in 2004, and would aim to defend the title. Meanwhile, Ghana have been relegated to the third-place Unity Cup playoff tie against the Soca Warriors.

Why Osimhen, Lookman missed out on Unity Cup

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Eric Chelle had explained why Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were not named in Nigeria's Unity Cup squad.

The tactician disclosed that he was widening his consideration for players to be given chances, in order select the best out of the numerous available options.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng