Nigeria defeat Ghana 2-1 in friendly, Lookman, Dessers on target

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated the Black Stars of Ghana 2-1 in an international friendly played in Morocco.

Cyril Dessers and Ademola Lookman were the two goalscorers for Nigeria as Jordan Ayew pulled a goal back for the Black Stars in stoppage time.

Dessers opened scoring in the 37 minute through a penalty kick after Kelechi Iheanacho’s shot was handled inside the box by a Ghanaian player.

Lookman’s secured a fantastci goal after converting an excellent assist from Alex Iwobi.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s captain Jordan Ayew scored a goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time, reducing the deficit to one.

This was after Bright Osayi-Samuel fouled Antoine Semenyo inside the box on his way to goal.

From the 56th minute, Ghana were forced to play a man short after Opoku was sent off.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali pulled off a couple of saves particularly in the second half as the Black Stars chased the game.

The Eagles led by Finidi played a decent direct football, while Ghana under new coach Otto Addo maintained their passing game.

Both teams were weakened by the absence of their top stars – Victor Osimhen for Nigeria, and Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey.

In a rather dramatic scene, Finidi left out the 2023 AFCON stars Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, instead opting for Tanzania-based defender Benjamin Tanimu to make his full international debut.

Tanimu acquitted himself fairly, but the game’s pace will force him out late on.

On Tuesday, Nigeria will play a second friendly against Mali also at the same Grande Stade de Marrakesh in Morocco.