The Black Stars showed some positives in their 2-1 loss to Nigeria at the GTech Community Stadium in Brentford on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
The first half was a nervy one, but the change in shape and tactic in the second half had a positive impact on the team’s output, resulting in a much-improved performance that saw Ghana create more chances and pin Nigeria into their half for a significant part of the second half.
There were two debutants, Aaron Essel and Christopher Bonsu Baah, in the first half, but Aaron Essel hobbled off before the first-half whistle due to a hip injury.
In the second half, Otto Addo of the Black Stars made a bold move by bringing on Brandon Thomas Asante and Caleb Yirenkyi, another debutant, for Kwame Opoku and Kamaradini Mamudu, respectively, to win in the Unity Cup.
Nigeria dominated the early stages, with Cyriel Dessers scoring in the 14th minute after picking up a pass from Ismaila Sodiq.
The Super Eagles doubled their lead when Seyi Ajayi’s header deflected off Razak Simpson for an own goal in the 19th minute.
Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas Asante reduced the deficit for Ghana in the 70th minute, scoring beautifully after connecting with a pass from Ebenezer Annan. Otto Addo showed confidence in Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini, who earned his first cap after coming on for Christopher Bonsu Baah in added time.
The Black Stars pushed hard in the second half but failed to take their chances, allowing Nigeria to hold on for the win in the Unity Cup.
With the absence of key players like Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, Alidu Seidu, Kingsley Schindler, Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Abdul Mumin, Joseph Painstil, Osman Bukari, Ibrahim Sulemana, and Inaki Williams.
