Ghana’s hopes of lifting the 2025 Unity Cup were dashed after a narrow 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Nigeria in a pulsating semi-final at London’s Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday.
The result means the Black Stars will now face Trinidad & Tobago in the third-place play-off, while Nigeria advance to a much-anticipated final against Jamaica.
The Unity Cup semi-final between Ghana and Nigeria lived up to its billing, reigniting one of African football’s fiercest rivalries in front of a vibrant diaspora crowd in West London.
Nigeria, fielding a blend of home-based talent and experienced internationals, started the brighter of the two sides. The Super Eagles took the lead in the 14th minute when Ismaila Sodiq’s surging run down the right ended with a pinpoint cross that Cyriel Dessers expertly controlled and finished past Ghana’s Benjamin Asare.
Just five minutes later, Ghana’s woes deepened. A dangerous free-kick from Samuel Chukwueze was inadvertently headed into his own net by defender Razak Simpson, doubling Nigeria’s advantage and leaving the Black Stars with a mountain to climb before halftime.
Despite the setback, Ghana - missing key names like Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey - showed resilience. Otto Addo’s side, featuring several debutants, regrouped after the break and mounted a spirited second-half comeback.
Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante pulled a goal back in the 70th minute, finishing off a low cross to give Ghana hope. The Black Stars pressed for an equaliser, with debutant Caleb Yirenkyi and Abu Francis coming close, but Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s heroics ensured the Super Eagles held on for a 2-1 win.
Reflecting on the performance and the lessons learned, Ghana coach Addo revealed that a number of young players impressed him.
“We got some answers about players. I think the young players did really well. They are still learning, trying to improve. I think we’ve gotten a whole lot of answers from our coaching staff.”
Ghana’s next opponents, Trinidad & Tobago, were edged out earlier on Tuesday by Jamaica in a dramatic first semi-final. The Reggae Boyz booked their place in the final with a 3-2 victory, thanks to a last-gasp penalty from Richard King.
Jamaica had taken a two-goal lead through Kasey Palmer’s first-half penalty and Rumarn Burrell’s strike, but Trinidad & Tobago fought back to level the match with goals from Isaiah Leacock and Kevin Molino. In stoppage time, King’s composed spot-kick sealed Jamaica’s place in the final.
The result means Nigeria will now face Jamaica in the Unity Cup final, promising an exciting contest between two in-form sides. For Trinidad & Tobago, the focus shifts to the third-place play-off against Ghana.
With the final out of reach, the Black Stars will now look to end their Unity Cup campaign on a high note when they face Trinidad & Tobago in the third-place play-off on Saturday, May 31st, at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The match offers another opportunity for Addo to assess his youthful squad and for emerging players to stake a claim for future national team call-ups.
Despite the disappointment of defeat, the tournament has provided valuable exposure for Ghana’s next generation. Debutants like Aaron Essel, Mohammed Fuseini, Christopher Bonsu Baah, and Caleb Yirenkyi impressed with their performances against Nigeria, while Thomas-Asante’s debut goal was a highlight.
The 2025 Unity Cup, revived after a 21-year hiatus, has brought together Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago in a celebration of football and diaspora culture in London.
Owuraku AmpofoFlashscore