Nigeria Ends Ghana’s 19-Year Unbeaten Run, Advances to Unity Cup Final
The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana’s Black Stars in the semifinals of the 2025 Unity Cup, marking their first win against Ghana since 2006. The highly anticipated clash, dubbed the “Jollof Derby,” took place at the GTech Community Stadium on Wednesday, May 28.
Nigeria took the lead in the first half through Cyriel Dessers, with an unfortunate own goal from Ghana’s Razak Simpson doubling the Super Eagles’ advantage before halftime. Ghana mounted a comeback in the second half, with Brandon Thomas-Asante pulling one back in the 70th minute, but Nigeria’s defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, held firm against Ghana’s late surge.
Despite missing key players like Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey, the Black Stars showed determination under coach Otto Addo but ultimately fell short in their quest for an equalizer. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s squad, featuring fresh faces like NPFL stars Ismaila Sodiq and Papa Daniel Mustapha, demonstrated cohesion under new coach Eric Chelle.
The loss ends Ghana’s remarkable 19-year unbeaten streak against Nigeria, a result that has reignited discussions around the rivalry between the two West African football giants.
Next up, Ghana will face Trinidad & Tobago in the third-place playoff, while Nigeria advances to the tournament final against Jamaica on Saturday, May 31, at the same venue. Football fans eagerly await the conclusion of this thrilling competition.