Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has praised his side’s spirited performance in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over the Black Stars of Ghana at the Unity Cup semi-final clash held in London. The match, a classic West African rivalry, unfolded at the Gtech Community Stadium with both pride and a spot in the final on the line.
Nigeria asserted dominance from the onset, controlling possession and tempo throughout the first half. Their efforts paid off when Cyriel Dessers broke the deadlock before defender Semi Ajayi doubled the lead with a powerful header off a corner kick. The Super Eagles looked poised and confident, drawing applause from the London crowd.
Ghana, however, clawed back into the game after halftime with a goal from Thomas Asante, setting up a tense final 30 minutes. The Black Stars pressed hard, but Nigeria’s defense held firm, with Calvin Bassey and William Troost-Ekong marshaling the backline under increasing pressure.
Eric Chelle, speaking post-match, acknowledged the second-half fatigue but maintained that the win was merited. “We played a great first half. Second half we were tired. We deserved our victory, but we have to improve,” he said. The coach’s honest assessment highlights both the joy of beating a major rival and the need for sharper fitness and game management.
The Unity Cup, created to foster solidarity through sport among African and Caribbean nations, has garnered attention for its cultural significance and competitive spirit. Sunday’s match added another thrilling chapter to the storied Nigeria-Ghana football rivalry.
With this win, Nigeria now advances to the Unity Cup final against Jamaica, set for Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the same Brentford venue. Fans across the diaspora are expected to turn out in full force for what promises to be a fiery contest between two nations known for flair and resilience.
The Super Eagles will now shift focus to fine-tuning their approach, especially in maintaining second-half energy, as they look to lift the Unity Cup trophy and solidify their preparation ahead of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
