The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory against the Black Stars of Ghana in a friendly match held in Morocco. Cyriel Dessers’ first-half penalty and a late goal by Ademola Lookman sealed the win for Nigeria at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Friday.
This match marked George Finidi’s debut as interim head coach of the Eagles.
Under Finidi’s guidance, Stanley Nwabali was placed in goal, shielded by a back five consisting of Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, and debutant Benjamin Tanimu.
Wilfred Ndidi, making his return to the team after missing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to injury, anchored the midfield alongside Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka.
Leading the frontline were Kelechi Iheanacho and Cyriel Dessers.
In the early stages of the match, Nigeria asserted dominance over Ghana, with Kelechi Iheanacho and Cyriel Dessers putting pressure on Lawrence Ati-Zigi, the goalkeeper for the Black Stars.
The breakthrough for the Eagles came in the 38th minute when Salis Abdul Samed committed a handball inside Ghana’s penalty area, resulting in a penalty awarded to Nigeria. Dessers confidently stepped up and converted the penalty, sending Ati-Zigi the wrong way to give Nigeria the lead.
The Black Stars emerged as a stronger side in the second half, but their momentum was halted when Jerome Opoku was shown a red card for dissent.
Following Opoku’s dismissal, Benjamin Tanimu was substituted for Ademola Lookman. Lookman quickly made an impact, extending Nigeria’s lead. A smooth play orchestrated by Alex Iwobi found Lookman in the box, where he expertly placed the ball into the top left corner of the Ghanaian goal.
Despite a late penalty conversion by Jordan Ayew for Ghana, the Eagles maintained their advantage to secure a notable victory.