Head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo has made some candid reflections on the team’s 2-1 loss against Nigeria in their opening fixture of the 2025 Unity Cup on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

The Black Stars conceded two first half goals within the first quarter of the hour mark, having been dominated by the Super Eagles from the blast of the first half whistle.

Goals from Rangers striker, Cyriel Dessers and an own goal by Nations FC skipper, Razak Simpson were enough to take the “Naija Boyz” up by two before the break. It was at the 70th minute that Brandon Thomas-Asante sent home a beauty at the GTech Stadium, hoping to be the be the potential path of a comeback for the Black Stars in London, keeping hopes hight for Ghana but to no avail.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Addo highlighted his satisfaction with the team’s second-half display and the promise shown by several players.

“Like I said, it’s not always easy, especially when we have players that haven’t often played together,” he stated.

“I think Nigeria had a more mature team that could adapt faster. We had problems getting into the duels to press well, but also to defend well,” he added.

“The second half was really good, I have to say. Though we lost, I’m happy about the second half. We saw some talents… we saw some players really be positive, and I’m looking forward to seeing them again,” he remarked.

Ghana will now face Trinidad & Tobago in the third-place fixture on Saturday, May 31 whilst  Nigeria takes on  Jamaica in the grand finale. Jamaica defeated Trinidad and Tobago earlier by 3 goals to 2 in the first semi final game of the Unity Cup on Tuesday, May 27.

The Unity Cup games are preparatory matches for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers which continues in September against Chad and Mali with the four-time African champions sitting attop of their group with 15 points after six games.