CYRIEL Dessers and Ademola Lookman struck tonight as the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Ghana’s Black Stars 2-1 in a friendly match in Marrakech, Morocco.
It was the first encounter between the two bitter West African rivals since Ghana edged out Nigeria on away goals to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, and it felt like some measure of revenge for the Super Eagles.
Dessers struck from the penalty spot for the Super Eagles and Lookman doubled the lead before Jordan Ayew converted a spot kick for Ghana to reduce the deficit.
Super Eagles interim head coach Finidi George stuck to the three-at-the-back system his former boss Jose Peseiro deployed so successfully at the last Africa Cup of Nations, playing Tanzania-based Benjamin Tanimu, Chidozie Awaziem and AFCON 2023 hero Semi Ajayi as the three centre-backs.
Bright Osayi-Samuel was the starting right wing-back, with Bruno Onyemachi on the left.
Wilfred Ndidi, who missed AFCON 2023 due to injury, anchored the midfield along with one of the stars of the tournament Frank Onyeka, while Alex Iwobi was the creative force behind Lookman and Dessers upfront.
Glasgow Rangers striker Dessers, who was not included in the AFCON 2023 squad, stepped up to take the penalty when it was awarded late in the first half, and he calmly converted in the 38th minute.
The Super Eagles played some fine football and the Black Stars also responded with some smooth play, but it was Finidi’s side who got the next goal.
Playing from back to front with skill and precision, the Super Eagles cut through the Ghana side and worked the ball to Lookman, who applied the finishing touch in the 83rd minute.
Ghana finally got on the score sheet three minutes into stoppage time when Crystal Palace forward Ayew sent Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali the wrong way from the penalty spot.
The Super Eagles will next face Mali in Marrakech on Tuesday, the same day Ghana play Uganda as all the teams continue their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers in June.
