Super Eagles fly past Black Stars in Unity Cup tie

By Olaolu Joseph

Nigeria scored two first-half goals to beat rivals Ghana 2–1 and qualify for the final of the Unity Cup International Invitational Tournament holding in London.

The Super Eagles settled down quickly to finish the task against the Black Stars, scoring both goals within the opening twenty minutes.

The match, played at Gtech Community Stadium, the home ground of Brentford, saw Cyril Dessers open the scoring in the 14th minute, turning in a cross from Ismaila Sadiq.

Five minutes later, Semi Ajayi’s header, off a well-taken free kick by Samuel Chukwueze, was deflected into the net by Ghanaian defender Rasak Simpson, giving Nigeria a 2–0 lead at the break.

The Black Stars, however, fought back and reduced the deficit with Thomas Asante’s 71st-minute goal, but the Eagles bravely held on, thanks to superb goalkeeping by Stanley Nwabali, to secure the win.

Super Eagles’ gaffer Eric Chelle handed starts to three NPFL players: Remo Stars’ duo of right-back Ismaila Sadiq and striker Sikiru Alimi, as well as Papa Daniel. Kano Pillars’ forward Collins Ugwueze, Ahmed Musa, and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi of Rangers International were introduced in the second half.

Nigeria will now face the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica in the final of the tournament.

The Jamaicans beat Trinidad and Tobago 3–2 on Tuesday to set up a final clash with the Eagles on Saturday.