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Here are Pulse Sports’ key takeaways from the Super Eagles' 2-1 win over the Black Stars of Ghana as both sides met in the Unity Cup at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in west London.
The Unity Cup comes back after 21 years, with the last edition held in 2004. The tournament aims to celebrate football and strengthen cultural connections between African and Caribbean communities with a strong presence in the United Kingdom.
Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago are the other two nations involved, with the Reggae Boys already in the final after defeating their fellow Caribbeans 3-2 on Tuesday, and now they will face Nigeria.
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Nigeria and Ghana were without some of their biggest stars, with the Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle naming some home-based stars in his starting XI.
However, that did not stop the Eagles, who took the lead in the 14th minute via Rangers of Scotland’s striker Cyril Dessers, assisted by Remo Stars’ right-back Sodiq Ismail.
Nigeria doubled the lead five minutes later, as Ghana’s Razak Simpson scored an own goal when he headed into his own net from a free kick.
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Brandon Thomas-Asante reduced the deficit for the Black Stars with 20 minutes left to play, but the Eagles held on for the victory.
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The following are some key takeaways from the game:
The intensity was more than of a friendly
Tagged the ‘jollof derby’, games between Ghana and Nigeria are always fierce, and this was no different, despite it being a friendly.
Tackles were flying, and both teams looked up for it physically.
Dessers loves Ghana
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The Rangers striker has seven Super Eagles caps and has scored three goals.
Two of those goals have come against the Black Stars.
He netted to put Nigeria ahead when both teams met in a friendly at Marrakech, Morocco, last year.
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He also scored the first goal in this game, as he continues to be a thorn in the flesh of the Black Stars.
The pitch made a difference
Good pitches allow for smooth football, and that was what we saw in this game.
The Gtech pitch is a Premier League stadium, and the players made the most of it by stringing good passes together.
Chelle changed shape from 4132 to 433
The Super Eagles coach is known for his diamond midfield, but this time he went for a flat three of Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Papa Daniel.
In attack he started Dessers, Samuel Chukwueze and Alimi Sikiru.
Chelle is experimenting with different systems and shapes, and this was one that looked good.
Sodiq Ismail stood out among the NPFL players
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Known as the Nigerian Dani Alves due to his forward runs and deadly crosses, the Remo wingback did not disappoint. He played a part in the first goal with an assist, and he delivered great balls into the box throughout the game.
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