Dessers, Lookman score as Eagles beat Ghana in friendly match

The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Black Stars of Ghana 2-1 in a friendly match in Morocco. 

A first-half penalty by Cyriel Dessers and a late goal from Ademola Lookman proved enough to earn Nigeria victory at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Friday.

George Finidi took charge of his first game as the Eagles interim head coach. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is still shopping for a manager since Jose Peseiro’s exit.

Finidi named Stanley Nwabali in goal behind the back five of Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and Benjamin Tanimu, who made his debut for the team.

Wilfred Ndidi returned to the team after missing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to an injury, and he was supported in the midfield by Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka.

The front two were Kelechi Iheanacho and Dessers.

Although the Eagles maintained the team’s typical formation during their silver-winning campaign at the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, the execution against the Ghanaians was more progressive.

Nigeria dominated Ghana in the early stage, with Iheanacho and Dessers testing Lawrence Ati-Zigi, the Black Stars goalkeeper.

The Eagles took the lead in the 38th minute after Salis Abdul Samed handled the ball inside the Ghanaians’ goal area, and the referee awarded a penalty to Nigeria.

Dessers stepped up and sent Ati-Zigi the wrong way from the spot.

The Black Stars resumed the second half a better side, but their resurgence was nipped in the bud after Jerome Opoku was sent off for dissent.

Then Tanimu made way for Lookman, and the substitute soon cushioned Nigeria’s lead. A well-oiled build-up saw Iwobi setting the Atalanta forward up in the box, and he made a mistake finding the top left corner of the Ghanaian goal.

Although Jordan Ayew did pull on back for Ghana from the spot late in the game, the Eagles held on for a famous victory.

Nigeria will face Mali on March 26 in the second match of the international friendly fixtures.