Ghana’s dream of reaching the 2025 Unity Cup final ended on Wednesday evening after a 2-1 loss to rivals Nigeria at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Head coach Otto Addo named an experimental lineup, resting several key players. The team struggled early, and Nigeria quickly took control of the match.
Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring in the 14th minute. He pounced after Razak Simpson slipped while clearing a cross, giving Nigeria the lead.
Things worsened for Ghana as a deflected header off Simpson beat goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, making it 2-0 before the break.
Debutant Aaron Essel suffered an injury and was replaced by Ebenezer Annan in the first half. At halftime, Addo introduced Caleb Yirenkyi and Thomas-Asante, injecting fresh energy into the squad.
Ghana pulled one back in the 70th minute. Annan broke down the left and found Thomas-Asante, who calmly slotted home.
The Black Stars pushed for an equalizer. Christopher Bonsu Baah nearly assisted Jordan Ayew, but the striker couldn’t connect. Late efforts from Yirenkyi and Abu Francis also fell short.
Despite Ghana’s stronger second half, Nigeria held firm. It marked the Super Eagles’ second straight win over the Black Stars at senior level.
Nigeria will face Jamaica in the final on Saturday, May 31. Ghana will meet Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place playoff.
