Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles came out on top when the two West African giants faced off at the 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations in Ghana.
Salisu Yusuf’s men had a rather slow start to the first half but managed to hold off a relentless Ghana, thanks to goalkeeper Addo’s amazing reflexes.
With the first half ending in a scoreless draw, the stakes were raised with Nigeria needing a win or nothing to progress to the semi-finals as runners-up and Anthony Okpotu stepped up to the mantle to give the Super Eagles a well-deserved lead in 53rd minute, after holding off his marker to fire home the team’s first from six yards.
Three minutes later, Peter Moses doubled the lead with a thunderous 20-yard sitter to secure a semi-final spot without having to wait for the final Group A result.
Ghana tried to find its way back into the game but the Nigerian defense was up for the challenge and the closest they could come to was through Emmanuel Lomtey’s long-range free kick, which was brilliantly saved by the keeper.
https://youtu.be/B5D7ZERnvAw
With the final Group A game between Guinea and Mali at the Ndora Stadium ending in a draw, Ghana goes through with six points while Nigeria progresses as the runners-up.
Both sides will wait for Tuesday evening to find out who they will play in the semi-finals with the hosts still favorites to win the competition despite the loss to Nigeria.
STARTING LINEUP
Ghana:
Joseph Addo 1, Amos Frimpong 0, Annan Felix 16, Kwadwo Stephen 15, Emmanuel Ampiah 4, Vincent Adaeh Antigah 5, Gideon Waja 8, Isaac Twumasi 7, Cobbinah Winful Essuah 10, Samuel Sarfo 12, Addoquye Emmanuel Lomotey 18
Nigeria:
Ikechukwu Ezenwa 1, Afeez Aremu 9, Akas Chima 5, Osas Okoro 6, Okpotu Tony 18, Rabiu Ali 11, Stephen Eze 3, Aniyikaye Adeleye Olamilekan 0, Friday Ubong 17, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi 10, Peter Eneji 16
Featured Photo: GHANA FA IMAGES
