Unity Cup: Nigeria Beats Ghana to Set Up Final Clash with Jamaica

In what was a feisty and entertaining encounter on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, England, the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Ghana’s Black Stars 2-1 to book a place in the final of the Unity Cup Invitational Tournament against Jamaica.

Nigeria began the game firing on all cylinders, especially through Cyriel Dessers who was making his seventh appearance for the three-time African champions. Despite Ghana’s attempts to keep the 30-year-old at bay, he broke loose in the 14th minute, slotting in the ball from 12 yards out, off a beautiful cross from defender Sodiq Ismail for his third goal in Nigeria’s colours.

Cyriel Dessers shares a hug with teammates after scoring the opener against Ghana in the Unity Cup.

Just five minutes later, Samuel Chukwueze sent the ball into the box from a free-kick 25 yards out, and defender Semi Ajayi’s header saw the ball deflected off the body of a defender to wrongfoot Asare for Nigeria’s second.

Semi Ajayi celebrates with Chukwueze and Onyeka after Nigeria’s second goal against Ghana.

The Super Eagles had an almost immediate chance to further increase the tally but the cross into the box went begging. Not long after, Stanley Nwabali made a mistake while trying to kick the ball to defender Igoh Ogbu. Still, the South Africa-based goalkeeper made a one-handed save to parry the resulting effort away from goal.

The pursuit of a third goal continued in the 32nd minute with a brilliant attacking transition. Still, it amounted to nothing as Sikiru Alimi’s effort was saved by the opposition keeper, keeping the tie 2-0 going into the break.

Power changed hands in the second half as Ghana found their spark and pushed for goals. Skipper Jordan Ayew led the attack, alongside Christopher Baah and Thomas Asante who eventually produced the Black Stars’ only goal with 20 minutes left – his first goal for Ghana and on his debut. Ayew came agonizingly close to getting the equaliser in the 77th minute but missed the target.

Thomas Asante of Ghana

This result means that Nigeria will face Jamaica at 17.00hrs on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in a bid to retain their title. Nigeria won the Maiden edition of the Unity Cup on Monday, May 31, 2004, after goals from John Utaka and Bartholomew Ogbeche in the 17th and 55th minute, earned Nigeria a 2-0 win over Jamaica at The Valley Stadium, London.

Jamaica made it to this year’s final after edging Trinidad & Tobago in a pulsating encounter on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, beating the Soca Warriors 3-2 with a penalty kick in the 94th minute of added time, proving the difference.