Nigeria claimed bragging rights over Ghana as the long-standing rivalry took centre stage in west London. The Unity Cup - an international football tournament that has returned for the first time in over 20 years - served up a game of two halves at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.
Eric Chelle would have been the happier of the two managers at half-time as his side lead 2-0 thanks to a Cyriel Dessers strike and an own-goal from Razak Simpson in the space of five minutes. However, the Black Stars rallied after the break and reduced the deficit when Brandon Thomas-Asante scored his first international goal.
Urged on by their supporters, Ghana pushed for an equaliser. Their best chance fell to substitute Abu Francis but he was denied by a superb save from Stanley Nwabali in injury time as Nigeria held on for the win. This means the Super Eagles will face Jamaica in Saturday’s final after they overcame Trinidad and Tobago in a five-goal thriller in yesterday’s semi-final. Follow Ghana vs Nigeria back below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Ghana vs Nigeria latest news
- GOAL! Thomas-Asante pulls one back for Ghana
- GOAL! Ajayi heads home a second for Nigeria
- GOAL! Cyriel Dessers puts Nigeria ahead
Nigeria hold on
22:01 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria will face Jamaica in the Unity Cup final following a hard fought win over Ghana.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Challe said ahead of kick-off that he wanted to use this game and next month’s friendly against Russia as preparation for their remaining World Cup qualifiers.
Challe certainly got the result he would have wanted, but he may have some reservations about the second half performance as a vastly experienced Nigeria side almost let a two-goal lead slip against their Ghanaian counterparts.
Read our full match report here!
FULL-TIME
21:44 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTHAT’S IT!
Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1
Nigeria hold on for the win and they will face Jamaica for the Unity Cup trophy on Saturday.
Ghana 1-2 Nigeria
21:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+3 min: Last throw of the dice by Ghana as Mohammed Fuseini replaces the impressive Christopher Bonsu Baah.
Nigeria win a free-kick in a good position and that might be it for this clash.
Ghana 1-2 Nigeria
21:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+2 min: What a mess! Ghana play the free-kick short and lose possession immediately.
Nigeria try to break but Stuart Atwell gets in the way!
Ghana 1-2 Nigeria
21:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: WHAT A SAVE
Nwabali gets down low to keep out Francis’ effort. Great pass from Ayew to play in the midfielder but the Nigeria goalkeeper was equal to the finish.
Four minutes of added time is signalled and Ghana have a free-kick in a promising position...
Ghana 1-2 Nigeria
21:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne89 min: A reminder that if Ghana do equalise and this game is level after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will commence to decide tonight’s winner.
Ghana 1-2 Nigeria
21:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne86 min: CHANCE
It’s that combination again! Ayew crosses to the back post and Yirenky rises highest but can’t keep his header down.
Ghana 1-2 Nigeria
21:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne85 min: CHANCE
Ayew’s corner is met by Yirenkyi but he heads wide. Was that the chance for Ghana to equalise?
Ghana 1-2 Nigeria
21:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne82 min: More Nigeria changes.
Ugwueze replaces Onyeka, Ifeanyi on for Ajayi.
Meanwhile, Francis replaces Ashimeru in Ghana’s latest change.
Ghana 1-2 Nigeria
21:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne78 min: Great ball in behind the Ghana defence by Iheanacho as he picks out Dessers’ run, Ambrosius comes across and bumps the Nigeria striker to the ground but no penalty is awarded.
Ghana 1-2 Nigeria
21:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne75 min: CHANCE!
What a cross to the back post from Bonsu Baah but Ayew can’t make connection with the ball.
Ghana 1-2 Nigeria
21:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne73 min: It’s the Ghana supporters making all the noise now and Nigeria just struggling to get a foothold in the game.
That said, Musa shows all of his experience to win a free-kick in the attacking third.
GOAL! Ghana 1-2 Nigeria | Brandon Thomas-Asante '70
21:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne70 min: GOALLLL
Brandon Thomas-Asante rounds off a free-flowing move to reduce the deficit with 20 minutes to go.
Poor marking from Nigeria to leave Thomas-Asante unmarked.
Game on!
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
21:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne67 min: GOAAA.....NOOOOO
Iheanacho thinks he has put Nigeria 3-0 up but his celebrations are cut short by the offside flag.
Replays show it was the right decision as he had strayed ahead of the last line when Musa played the ball.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
21:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne65 min: Nwabali called into action to tip Thomas-Asante’s effort over the bar.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
21:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne64 min: Yirenkyi showcases some brilliant 1v1 defending against Simon and it brings out a huge roar from the Ghana supporters.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
21:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne61 min: Triple Nigeria substitution.
ON: Musa, Simon and Iheanacho
OFF: Daniel, Chukwueze and Alimi
Musa takes over the armband.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
21:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne59 min: Baah does extremely well to win the ball he was second favourite for, cuts inside but fires straight at Nwabali.
Perhaps there were better options available to the Ghana forward but he wanted his debut goal.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
21:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne57 min: Thomas-Asante and Yirenkyi replaced Opoku and Mamudu at the break.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
21:02 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne53 min: Yellow card shown to Ogbu for a foul.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
21:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne50 min: Nigeria having to do some defending early in the second half as Ndidi makes a good interception to concede a corner.
Back underway in west London.
20:56 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway in west London.
HALF-TIME
20:38 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGhana 0-2 Nigeria
Great entertainment at the Gtech Stadium, Nigeria lead at the break thanks to a strike from Cyriel Dessers and an own goal from Razak Simpson.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
20:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne46+2 min: Chance for Nigeria to pinch a third before the break but Onyeka is denied by a superb Asare save and then the ball is cleared off the line!
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
20:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: Into the first of two minutes of injury time.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
20:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne43 min: Nearly a third goal for Nigeria as Onyeka’s cross takes a wicked deflection off Ambrosius and Asare has to back peddle to push the ball away for a corner.
Really good save in the end.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
20:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne42 min: Ismaila is the first Nigeria player shown a yellow card tonight. Quite a meaty tackle from the right-back as he dives in on Opoku.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
20:29 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne38 min: Another free-kick to Ghana, they’ve won a few of these in quick succession but are yet to make one count.
This delivery from Ayew is much better but Alimi makes a fine defensive clearance as he puts the ball out for a corner which comes to nothing as Ashimeru scuffs a shot.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
20:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne35 min: Ghana have been encouraged by Nwabali’s mistake a few moments ago. They are growing into this game, but know the next goal is crucial.
Chance to put Nigeria under pressure but Ayew’s free-kick is poor.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
20:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne32 min: Alimi and Dessers combine around the Ghana box, ball falls kindly for the former who curls an effort straight into the arms of Asare for a routine save.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
20:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne30 min: Confirmation of the Ghana change as Annan replaces Eseel.
Nwabali gifts the ball to Baah but makes amends for his mistake, Nigeria keeper is livid with those in front of him but not quite sure he can blame anyone but himself there.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
20:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne28 min: Ghana almost concede again after pressing the self-destruct button. The Black Stars are being forced into an early change as Essel’s senior debut is short-lived.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
20:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne25 min: Essel looks like he is fine to continue. He winces as he makes his way to the touchline, but should be back on in the next 30 seconds.
Samed talks himself into a booking now. Two Ghana players on yellow cards.
Ghana 0-2 Nigeria
20:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne22 min: Upon a closer look at Nigeria’s second goal, it looks like the final touch came off Razak Simpson.
Ghana have an issue here as Essel is down and requires treatment.
Mamudu is shown a yellow card.
GOAL! Ghana 0-2 Nigeria | Semi Ajayi '19
20:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne19 min: GOALLLLL
Nigeria are in dreamland, two goals in the space of five minutes as Semi Ajayi heads home Samuel Chukwueze’s inch-perfect delivery.
Ghana 0-1 Nigeria
20:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne17 min: Ashimeru’s run through the middle is halted by a well-timed tackle from Onyeka. A couple of more strides and the Ghana midfielder was in on goal.
GOAL! Ghana 0-1 Nigeria | Cyriel Dessers '14
20:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne14 min: GOALLLLLLL
Great wing play by Ismaila Sodiq as he picks out Cyriel Dessers in the box and the Rangers striker takes one touch before finding the back of the net with an emphatic finish.
Nigeria lead.
Ghana 0-0 Nigeria
20:02 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne12 min: Dessers clearly catches Mensah late near the touchline but is adamant the Ghana left-back dived and makes that gesture to referee Stuart Atwell.
Looked a foul, mind.
Ghana 0-0 Nigeria
20:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne10 min: Great take from Chukwueze and he looks to slip in Dessers but Essel gets back at the Nigeria striker with a well-time tackle.
He had to get that right otherwise he would have been in serious trouble.
Busy start for the Ghana debutant.
Ghana 0-0 Nigeria
19:57 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne7 min: Nigeria have settled the quicker of the two teams, which is not a real surprise given the experience in the side.
Ghana 0-0 Nigeria
19:54 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne4 min: Dessers cuts inside Simpson and goes down in the area, referee Stuart Atwell says no penalty.
Ghana 0-0 Nigeria
19:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: Surging run down the left, Alimi tries to pick out Dessers but Ghana debutant Essel is on hand to turn the ball behind for a corner.
Nigeria set-piece comes to nothing as they play it short and fail to get the ball into the box.
KICK-OFF!
19:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway in this Unity Cup clash!
Here come the teams
19:44 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneRight, the teams have made their way out to the pitch.
Kick-off is right around the corner!
As it stands
19:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJamaica await the winners of tonight’s showdown in Saturday’s final.
The losers will contest the third-place play-off against Trinidad and Tobago.
Team news reminder
19:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is a reminder of tonight’s teams...
Ghana XI: Asare; Mensah, Ambrosius, Essel, Kamaradini, Simpson, Salis, Ashimeru, Baah, Ayew, Opoku
Subs: Ati-Zigi, Joseph, Annan, Yirenkyi, Francis, Issah, Agyekum, Thomas-Asante, Mohammed
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Ismaila, Ndidi, Igoh, Ajayi, Onyeka, Dessers, Chukwueze, Daniel, Onyemaechi, Alimi
Subs: Okoye, Ojetoye, Musa, Arokodare, Iheanacho, Simon, Nduka, Tella, Ifeanyi, Agu, Ugwueze, Isaac
Not long now!
19:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJust under 15 minutes until kick-off in west London!
Opportunity knocks
19:26 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCyriel Dessers leads the line for Nigeria tonight and you feel it is a big chance for the Rangers forward to show what he can do in the absence of Victor Osimhen.
A lot of pressure will be placed on the shoulders of Samuel Chukwueze from a creative standpoint, but Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi should have the edge in midfield.
Debutants for Ghana
19:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAaron Essel and Christopher Bonsu Baah will both win their first senior caps for Ghana tonight.
Nigeria team in full
19:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria XI: Nwabali; Ismaila, Ndidi, Igoh, Ajayi, Onyeka, Dessers, Chukwueze, Daniel, Onyemaechi, Alimi
Subs: Okoye, Ojetoye, Musa, Arokodare, Iheanacho, Simon, Nduka, Tella, Ifeanyi, Agu, Ugwueze, Isaac
Ghana team in full
19:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGhana XI: Asare; Mensah, Ambrosius, Essel, Kamaradini, Simpson, Salis, Ashimeru, Baah, Ayew, Opoku
Subs: Ati-Zigi, Joseph, Annan, Yirenkyi, Francis, Issah, Agyekum, Thomas-Asante, Mohammed
CONFIRMED GHANA XI
19:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd lining up for Ghana...
🚨 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 — Ready for battle in West London! 🏟️
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) May 28, 2025
Our starting XI to face Nigeria in the Unity Cup. 🇬🇭🆚🇳🇬#BlackStars | #UnityCup2025 pic.twitter.com/qq3EGnuads
CONFIRMED NIGERIA XI
19:01 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the Nigeria team to face Ghana...
#SuperEagles Team News in
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 28, 2025
🟢⚪️
🪨 Ogbu, Ajayi man the defence
⚡️ Ndidi, Onyeka marshall the midfield
🙌🏽 Dessers, Chukwueze lead attack #SoarSuperEagles #NGAGHA #TheUnityCup pic.twitter.com/UbyYGN9crv
Ghana dressing room
19:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBehind the scenes at the Gtech Community Stadium as Ghana’s dressing room is prepared ahead of kick-off.
Dressed for the occasion. 💛
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) May 28, 2025
🇬🇭🆚🇳🇬#BlackStars | @PUMA pic.twitter.com/w8M0cBEYwu
Team news imminent
18:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are expecting tonight’s lineups to be announced any minute now.
Stay tuned...
Chelle explains decision
18:46 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEric Chelle has explained his decision to name 10 players who are based in Nigeria in this international window’s squad.
Coach Chelle big fan of the NPFL pic.twitter.com/xQ3ioaflMz
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 27, 2025
Ghana form
18:42 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGhana’s World Cup qualification campaign is going smoothly. They are currently top of their group having picked up 15 points from a possible 18.
They head into tonight’s game on the back of wins over Chad and Madagascar in March.
Good vibes in training
18:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Nigeria players were in good spirits in training yesterday as they prepare for an important showdown against Ghana.
🦅🇳🇬 #TheUnityCup #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/xqQ6cJWSni
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 27, 2025
Squad arrivals
18:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Ghana squad has arrived at the Gtech Community Stadium!
All set for the Unity Cup clash! 🇬🇭🆚🇳🇬#BlackStars | #UnityCup2025 pic.twitter.com/QX4EDMjkdK
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) May 28, 2025
Nigeria preparations
18:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Unity Cup fixtures and the friendly against Russia next month are all part of Nigeria’s preparations for their remaining World Cup qualification campaign.
That resumes later this year and the Super Eagles currently sit fourth having one just one of their six matches so far.
Whilst automatic qualification looks beyond them, a play-off spot is still an attainable target.
Special visit
18:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo paid a special visit to his Ghana teammates ahead of kick-off tonight.
Semenyo is not part of the Ghana squad for the Unity Cup but has shown up to support his compatriots.
❤️ Antoine Semenyo paid the squad a visit ahead of the game against Nigeria tonight. 🫶🏾#BlackStars | #UnityCup2025 pic.twitter.com/FO3sqGbP9V
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) May 28, 2025
Last night
18:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe 2025 edition of the Unity Cup got off to a flying start last night as Jamaica beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-2.
Reggae Boyz await the winner of tonight’s clash in Saturday’s final.
A word from Chelle
18:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd a word from the new Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle. He is not looking past the challenge of Ghana tonight.
Éric Sékou Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles, shared his thoughts ahead of tonight’s showdown with Ghana.
— The Unity Cup 2025 (@TheUnityCup) May 28, 2025
Let’s be honest… Ghana vs Nigeria? Is there ever anything friendly about it? 👀🔥
Tonight, it’s more than just a game.#UnityCup2025 pic.twitter.com/uxG92kOgo9
Addo previews tonight's clash
18:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGhana boss Otto Addo has delivered his thoughts on the Unity Cup clash against Nigeria...
Otto Addo, head coach of the Black Stars, shared his thoughts ahead of tonight’s clash with Nigeria.
— The Unity Cup 2025 (@TheUnityCup) May 28, 2025
Is there ever anything friendly about it? 👀🔥
Tonight, it’s more than just a game.#UnityCup2025 pic.twitter.com/cNvufLPnAk
Unity Cup history
18:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Unity Cup was first launched in 2002 with the iconic clash between Nigeria and Jamaica.
This was followed by second event in 2004, held at The Valley, home of Charlton.
That year, Nigeria, Jamaica and the Republic of Ireland took part.
The Super Eagles won both of their matches to top the mini group.
What is the Unity Cup?
17:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Unity Cup spotlights London’s diversity, offering an electrifying fusion of sport, music, and culture that transcends boundaries and instead fosters togetherness on a global stage.
Today's settings...
17:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNot a bad venue for tonight’s Unity Cup showdown...
Ghana vs Nigeria latest match odds
17:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGhana to win: 2/1
Draw: 8/5
Nigeria to win: 6/5
Odds via Betfair and subject to change
Ghana vs Nigeria: Head to head history and results
17:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGhana wins: 6
Draws: 5
Nigeria wins: 5
Score prediction
17:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThere is certainly more experience in the Nigeria squad compared to Ghana and that may prove the difference between the two nations tonight.
Nigeria to win, 2-1
Nigeria squad
17:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd here is the Nigeria squad for the Unity Cup.
Roster for the #UnityCup2025 and the International Friendly vs Russia #TheUnityCup2025 #NGARUS #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/BPc8waTP7r
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 21, 2025
Ghana squad
17:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis is the 23-man Ghana squad for the Unity Cup!
📋 @GhanaBlackstars Head Coach Otto Addo has settled on 23 players for this week's Unity Cup 2025 in London!
— 🇬🇭 Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) May 26, 2025
🔗 Read more: https://t.co/qU678d6sXI https://t.co/fOWw1NpR4d
How to watch Ghana vs Nigeria
17:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: In the UK, the game will be broadcast on Premier Sports. Coverage starts at 7.40pm BST on Premier Sports 1 ahead of an 7.45pm kick-off.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Premier Sports website or the Premier Sports Player app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog.
Welcome
17:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Ghana vs Nigeria!
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 7.45pm BST from Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. Stick with us!
