In a thrilling encounter dubbed the ‘Jollof’ Derby, the Super Eagles showcased their prowess, securing a notable victory against Ghana’s Black Stars.
The match, held in the vibrant city of Marrakech, witnessed a display of skill and determination from both sides.
The Super Eagles made their mark early in the game, with Cyriel Dessers converting a penalty and Ademola Lookman of Atalanta adding a sublime finish to the scoreboard.
However, Ghana’s Jordan Ayew managed to salvage pride for his team with a late spot-kick, despite playing with ten men.
Nigeria, coming off a commendable performance as runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), faced the challenge without key players such as the CAF Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and defender William Troost-Ekong, who were sidelined due to injuries.
Despite missing these influential figures, the Super Eagles, under the guidance of interim coach George Finidi, asserted their dominance from the onset.
They controlled the tempo of the game, showcasing a cohesive and determined performance.
Although Nigeria dominated the early exchanges, they struggled to find the back of the net until the 37th minute when Dessers capitalized on a penalty opportunity.
The Rangers’ forward demonstrated his composure by calmly slotting the ball past the Ghanaian goalkeeper, granting Nigeria the lead.
The first half concluded in Nigeria’s favor, setting the stage for an intense second half. As play resumed, both teams continued to battle fiercely, with few alterations to the momentum.
In the 71st minute, Finidi introduced fresh legs into the game, substituting Dessers and Wilfred Ndidi for Simon Moses and Raphael Onyedika respectively.
The strategic move injected renewed energy into the Super Eagles’ lineup.
Shortly after, Lookman made his presence felt, replacing debutant Benjamin Tanimu.
It took Lookman a mere ten minutes to leave his mark on the match, capitalizing on a brilliant cross from Alex Iwobi to extend Nigeria’s lead.
Despite being reduced to ten men following Jerome Opoku’s red card in the 56th minute, Ghana displayed resilience, seeking a consolation goal.
Their efforts bore fruit in the dying moments of the game, as Ayew converted a crucial penalty in the 95th minute.
With the conclusion of this captivating encounter, Nigeria now shifts its focus to the upcoming fixture against the Eagles of Mali.
These friendly matches serve as crucial preparation for the Super Eagles as they gear up for the World Cup qualifiers later in the year.
