Match Report:

The most anticipated game of the week in the Unity Cup tournament came into fruition as the Black Stars of Ghana and the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced off at the Brentford G-Tech Stadium in London.

The two West African big wigs, led by Otto Addo for Ghana and Eric Chelle for Nigeria came up in London to determine who rules the African subregion in terms of football— a longtime rivalry dubbed “The Jollof Derby.” Going into the game, the two countries were able to prepare adequately as they had ample time to have their respective players converge and have the opportunity to work together in accordance with their time given.

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the long-awaited game came off and Ghana lined up with an unusual starting lineup of Benjamin Asare, Kamaradini Mamudu, Stephan Ambrosius, Aaron Essel, Gideon Mensah, Razak Simpson, Salis Samed, Majeed Ashimeru, Christopher Baah, Kwame Opoku and captain Jordan Ayew.

On the Nigerian side was filled with players who were also of the same caliber as Ghana; the unusual lineup of Stanley Nwabali, Ismaila Sodiq, Semi Ajayi, Igho Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfried Ndidi, Papa Daniel, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers and Alimi Sikiru.

The game promised to be a very interesting and entertaining one as the fans at the G-Tech Stadium, representing both countries kept the atmosphere alive with their unflinching enthusiasm and exhilarating enthusiasm to witness such a spectacular fixture—reigniting the rivalry even in the stands.

From the blast of the whistle when Nigeria had set the ball rolling, the Super Eagles dominated play from the start of the game, pressing against the Ghanaian contingents until their hard work paid off on the quarter of the hour mark when right-back Ismaila Sodiq found Cyriel Dessers in the penalty area after a defensive error to easily leave the ball for the Rangers attacker to slot in the first of the night. The goal kept Nigeria’s spirits up and gave them the upper hand over the Black Stars in the game.

It didn’t take long for the lead to get doubled up as Ghana’s deficit increased to two goals after a free kick from about 30 yards that ricocheted off Simpson that ended up in an own goal on the 19th minute. Exactly ten minutes after the goal, Ghana’s debutant, Aaron Essel was pulled off after sustaining an injury on the 29th minute.

Again, pressure piled up from Nigeria that Brentford midfielder who was playing at his home ground, Frank Onyeka hit a shot trying to find Dessers again in the box, unfortunately had the ball hit Ambrosius and turned out a deflected shot which was supposed to be a goal but goalkeeper Benjamin Asare came to the rescue with a blockbuster save.

The lead went into the end of the first half and had Ghanaian fans at home and abroad wandering around to find what could possibly be the solution going into the second half.

At the start of the second half, Ghana needed reinforcements as coach Otto Addo made two substitutions with youngster Caleb Yirenkyi coming on for  Kamaradini Mamudu and Kwame Opoku making way for Coventry attacker, Brandon Thomas-Asante.

The Black Stars regained momentum and were able to neutralize the pressure from the Super Eagles as they took to their heels to pull one back which ultimately became the consolation goal. Brandon Thomas-Asante found the back of the net with a sublime finish after a superb cross from left-back Ebenezer Annan on the 70th minute.

Ghana had the chance to capitalize on that but all efforts came to an abrupt halt with Nigeria being so compact and physical to defend their lead. Ghana resorted to keeping possession of the ball to create spaces but to no avail.

Otto Addo deployed Abu Francis who came on to substitute Majeed Ashimeru and also brought in Belgian League title winner with Royal Union Saint-Golloise, Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini, who also made his Black Stars debut on the night.

Nigeria held on to the 2-1 lead over Ghana and finished the game as finalists in the Unity Cup as they are set to face off against Jamaica on Saturday, May 31 for the final whilst Ghana faces off against Trinidad and Tobego in the 3rd place encounter.