The Black Stars of Ghana were unable to progress to the finals of the 2025 Unity Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat against the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the GTech Community Stadium in Brentford, United Kingdom.
Cyriel Dessers’ strike and Razak Simpson’s own goal ensured Nigeria progressed to the finals of the competition, where they will face Jamaica on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Ghanaian substitute Brandon Thomas Asante scored the consolation for the Black Stars of Ghana, who would play Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place game on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Ghana coach Otto Addo made some massive changes to his starting lineup after missing several key players, including Kudus Mohammed, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Salisu and Alexander Djiku, who were unavailable for the cup match.
Debutants Aaron Essel and Christopher Bonsu Baah were handed starting roles, as were local-based players Razak Simpson and Kamaradini Mamudu.

It was a shaky start for the Black Stars in defence after Dessers scored a goal in the 14th minute with Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare unable to save the situation.
Things got worse for Ghana’s Black Stars five minutes later, when Seyi Ajayi’s header deflected off Razak Simpson for an own goal.
The Black Stars made too many mistakes on the fast GTech pitch, unable to connect several passes, particularly in the final third.
The Black Stars of Ghana put in a much-improved second-half performance with the introduction of Caleb Yirenkyi and Thomas Asante.
Ghana’s striker Asante pulled a goal in the 70th minute, tapping home from close range after a delightful cross from Ebenezer Annan.
The Black Stars had numerous chances to draw the leveller, but Nigerian defence stood firm and held onto their lead.