Nigeria’s National Team Triumphs Over Ghana’s Black Stars in ‘Jollof Derby’ For the first time since 2006, Nigeria has triumphed in a friendly encounter against Ghana.
In a friendly match played in Marrakech, Morocco, Nigeria defeated their archrivals Ghana 2-1. The first goal was scored by Cyriel Dessers of the Nigerian Super Eagles in the first half, while the second was scored by Ademola Lookman in the second half.
The Black Stars played the remainder of the match with a depleted roster due to the dismissal of Ghanaian defender Jerome Opoku early in the second half.
Jordan Ayew converted a penalty in stoppage time for their only goal.
Despite the low turnout at Morocco’s Stade de Marrakech, Nigeria played better for the majority of the match. ‘Diesel Derby’ According to Dessers, the first half was absolutely fantastic, but he did admit that the second half was significantly more challenging in the derby.
It was a wonderful win for us, he told reporters after the game, even if the Nigerian team had more opportunities to score.
The two West African nations’ animosity extends beyond the football field.
People from both Ghana and Nigeria have long argued over who makes the best ‘Jollof’ rice, a traditional West African meal. So, the game on Saturday was named “Jollof Derby” by the announcers.
A challenging task In a friendly match versus Ghana, Nigeria have not won in 18 years. It brings me joy. As you may be aware, the rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria is quite intense. With a win in the bag, Nigeria’s interim coach Finidi George felt good about coming here.
This match took place less than 30 days after Côte d’Ivoire hosted and won the Africa Cup of Nations, the most prestigious football event in Africa, and Nigeria lost in the championship match.
The Ghanaian Black Stars, whose supporters said the team played disappointingly, were knocked out in the group stage.
Finidi George will head Nigeria’s national team in their second friendly encounter against Mali.
After Friday’s 2-1 friendly victory against Ghana in Marrakesh, Morocco, here are ten key takeaways about the Super Eagles.
First Team of the Super Eagles
[1] It would appear that we are distributing the ball well in the middle of the field
[2]. In the middle of the field, we are also keeping possession really well. It seems likely that this has anything to do with Wilfred Ndidi’s return
[3]. Now we have Chidozie Awaziem to fall back on as a backup center back who can help us clear the defense. Ajayi was the only one doing that during the Nations Cup
[4]. Even though Benjamin Tanimu has showed some promising touches, we should give him a chance and see him play more before making any firm judgments
[5] Similarly, I’d want to see left back Bruno Onyemachi play more before making any firm judgments
[6]. Our best bet seems to be this 3-5-2 arrangement
[7]. Frank Onyeka and Ndidi are both anchormen, and it worries me about this formation. Neither of them can propel the team forward offensively. Same goes for a midfielder who plays box-to-box
[8]. Right off the off, Kelechi Iheanacho and Cyriel Dessers have been extremely inefficient. We would have been three goals ahead at halfway if Lookman and Osimhen had been in the game
[9]. Although I will not bet on Finidi, he deserves praise for this. Our World Cup hopes are too important for Nigeria to play chicken with them. We require a seasoned manager with a track record similar to that of Herve Renard, Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp, Guardiola, Zidane, etc. Assisting him can be Finidi’s job. We can’t afford to skip consecutive World Cups
[10]. The younger-than-average roster gives the impression that this squad can compete. We must progressively phase out all players in their 30s and 40s in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
