Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Ghana’s Black Stars on Wednesday night to book a place in the final of the Unity Cup, in a heated West African derby played at the Brentford Community Stadium.
The highly-anticipated clash saw Nigeria storm into an early lead, with forward Cyril Dessers opening the scoring in the 14th minute, calmly slotting home after a well-worked team move.
Just five minutes later, Semi Ajayi added what appeared to be Nigeria’s second, but replays showed the final touch came off Ghanaian defender Richmond Sampson, and the goal was officially recorded as an own goal.
The Super Eagles went into the break with a comfortable 2–0 advantage, having dominated much of the opening half.
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However, the tide turned in the second half as Ghana came out with renewed energy and purpose.
The Black Stars applied intense pressure and reduced the deficit just one minute into the restart, with Yirenkyi finishing off a swift counterattack to make it 2–1 in the 46th minute.
Despite their dominance in the second half, Ghana could not find the equalizer, with Nigeria holding firm at the back to seal the win and advance to the final.
The Super Eagles will now await the winner of the other semi-final for a shot at lifting the Unity Cup trophy.