On a brisk London night where bragging rights and continental pride hung in the balance, Nigeria’s Super Eagles got the better of fierce rivals Ghana in a fiery 2-1 win that sealed their spot in the Unity Cup final, Soccernet.ng reports.
The semi-final at the Gtech Community Stadium was anything but a friendly. Cyriel Dessers once again played the villain-in-chief for Ghana, firing in Nigeria’s opener with calm precision before a Razak Simpson own goal doubled the advantage.
Ghana fought back gallantly, halving the deficit through Brandon Thomas-Asante, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Eric Chelle’s side from marching into Saturday’s final against Jamaica.
This wasn’t just about victory. It was about style, substance, and signs of what’s to come. Here are five major takeaways from Nigeria’s compelling performance against the Black Stars.
1. Dessers is earning his shirt — and then some
Cyriel Dessers is making it impossible to ignore him. His well-taken goal — his third in Nigerian colours and second against Ghana — was a blend of instinct, power, and composure.
What stood out wasn’t just the finish but the way he brought down the cross from Ismaila Sodiq with his chest in one fluid motion before rifling it low into the net.
The Rangers striker is in arguably the best form of his career.
Having finished as the Scottish Premiership's top scorer, he’s now bringing that same clinical edge to the international stage.
His movement, hold-up play, and chemistry with Samuel Chukwueze showed that he’s more than just a poacher — he can become the focal point of Nigeria’s evolving attack, in the absence of Victor Osimhen.
2. NPFL stars prove they belong
Eric Chelle made a statement with his selection — handing starting berths to three home-based players: Sikiru Alimi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Sodiq Ismaila. And they didn’t just hold their own — they impressed. In the first half, at least.
Mustapha added much-needed steel and energy to the midfield, constantly closing spaces and linking well with Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka.
Alimi’s work rate and positioning up front created spaces for Dessers and Chukwueze to exploit, while Ismaila looked composed at right-back, providing the assist for Nigeria’s opener.
This performance wasn’t just a boost for the players, but for the entire Nigerian domestic league system. On this evidence, more NPFL talents could be knocking on the Super Eagles’ door.
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
3. Chukwueze’s creativity remains vital
Though he didn’t get on the scoresheet, Samuel Chukwueze was at the heart of Nigeria’s attacking threat in the first half.
His clever free-kick led to the second goal, and he consistently drew fouls and forced Ghana’s defenders into uncomfortable positions.
While Chukwueze’s decision making has been under scrutiny recently, against the Black Stars, he looked more mature — knowing when to take on his marker and when to release the ball.
If Nigeria can continue to get him into one-on-one scenarios, especially against slower fullbacks, he’ll remain a game-changer.
4. Nigeria still vulnerable when sitting deep
For all their first-half dominance, Nigeria’s second-half dip nearly cost them. After going two goals up, the Super Eagles seemed to retreat into their shell, allowing Ghana too much possession and time on the ball.
The goal they conceded came from a simple defensive lapse — a recurring theme in recent outings. Chelle’s decision to drop the defensive line and invite pressure created needless tension. Against more clinical opposition, Nigeria might not have been so fortunate.
It’s a tactical issue that needs ironing out. Nigeria are at their best when they press high and play on the front foot. Sitting back doesn't suit the personnel, nor the momentum they generate when attacking.
5. Depth will be Nigeria’s biggest asset going forward
When Chelle turned to his bench, he found quality — and experience. Moses Simon brought stability and calm on the flanks, Ahmed Musa added leadership, and Kelechi Iheanacho even found the net (though ruled offside).
This depth — blending youthful NPFL exuberance with seasoned European heads — is something few African teams can boast of. And as the Unity Cup progresses, especially into Saturday’s final, that mix could be the difference-maker.
For fans looking to add extra excitement during the Unity Cup and upcoming tournaments, checking out the top Nigerian betting sites for tournament football in 2025 can be a fun way to back the Super Eagles while betting responsibly.
With Jamaica waiting, Nigeria will need their best 90 minutes yet. But with the unity, balance, and fight shown against Ghana, Chelle’s side will fancy their chances.
This win over Ghana wasn’t perfect — but it was gutsy, entertaining, and full of promise. Dessers is emerging as a reliable finisher. NPFL stars are thriving. And most importantly, the Super Eagles are flying into the Unity Cup final with their confidence sky-high.
Let’s hope they keep soaring.
The introduction of Moses Simon, Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho weakened the team. Their introduction did not bring the desired stability, calmness and leadership on the field.