The Super Eagles of Nigeria the Black Stars of Ghana 2-1 in an international friendly match played in Marrakech, Morocco on Friday evening, www.aclsports.com reports.
Cyril Dessers and Ademola Lookman scored for the Eagles in their first outing since the 2023 AFCON final defeat to Cote d’Ivoire. While, Jordan Ayew netted late on for the Ghanaians who were hoping to put the disappointment in Abidjan behind them.
Enyimba head coach Finidi George, who was named interim coach for this international friendly and the one against Mali, handed former Bendel Insurance defender Benjamin Tanimu his debut, while Wilfred Ndidi and Dessers also started upon their return to the team.
It was the latter who went ahead to put the Super Eagles in front from the spot in the 38th minute after a host of missed chances in a half they dominated. Nigeria deservedly took the lead into the break.
Despite having Jerome Opoku sent off early in the second half, the Black Stars who were being led by new coach – Otto Addo – pressed for an equalizer but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali did well to thwart the danger.
With just six minutes to go, substitute Lookman finished off a lovely team move after being set up by Alex Iwobi to double Nigeria’s lead.
Ghana, however, pulled a goal back in stoppage time when Ayew scored from the penalty spot, but it was just a mere consolation as the Super Eagles secure the win.
It is the first time the Super Eagles of Nigeria will be beating their Ghanaian counterparts in 18 years.
Up next for Finidi George’s side is another friendly match against Mali on March 26 before a return to competitive action in June when the World Cup qualifiers resume.
