Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has revealed that Nigeria approached their Unity Cup semifinal clash against Ghana with heightened intensity due to the age-long rivalry between both nations.
Nigeria edged Ghana 2-1 in Wednesday’s semifinal at Brentford’s GTECH Stadium to book a place in the final. The Super Eagles will now face Jamaica, who defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 in the other semifinal.
The Nigeria-Ghana rivalry transcends football, extending into entertainment, cuisine, and other facets of life, making every encounter a battle for bragging rights. Frank Onyeka admitted the players were fully aware of the weight the game carried.
“We know the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana,” Onyeka said. “For us, it was more than a friendly, we didn’t want to lose to Ghana. So we went into the game determined to win.”
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Early goals from Cyriel Dessers and an own goal by Ghana’s Razak Simpson gave Nigeria a 2-0 lead. Although Ghana pulled one back through Brandon Thomas-Asante in the 70th minute, the Super Eagles held firm to secure the win.
“We took our chances in the first half and scored two goals,” Onyeka added. “Our second half wasn’t the best, but we limited them to just one goal. It felt amazing to come out with the win.”
With this victory, Nigeria claims the latest bragging rights in what has become a “jolly derby” between the two West African giants. The Super Eagles will now aim to finish strong by defeating Jamaica in Saturday’s final to retain the trophy.
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