Nigerian Super Eagles beat Black Stars of Ghana 2:1 in ‘Jollof Derby’

Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman were on the scoresheet as Super Eagles defeated 10-man Black Stars 2-1 in a friendly match at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Friday.

The two West African arch-rivals renewed their rivalry dubbed the ‘Jollof Derby’ but it was the men representing green, white and green flag that came out victorious in Morocco.

In the 38th minute, Rangers forward Dessers opened the scoring for Nigeria from a well-converted penalty to put the Eagles ahead. 

Ghana were reduced to 10 men 12 minutes after the break following Jerome Opoku’s red card for violent conduct.

In the 85th minute, Lookman doubled the lead for Nigeria from a through pass from Alex Iwobi into Ghana’s box.

Jordan Ayew almost pulled one back for Ghana a few minutes after Lookman’s goal but Stanley Nwabali made an impressive save to deny an effort from the Crystal Palace forward from a freekick.

In the stoppage time, Ayew finally scored a consolation for the Black Stars after Bright Osayi-Samuel conceded a penalty which the former put into the back of the net to minimise the damage.

The victory is definitely a confidence booster for head coach Finisi George, who is temporarily in charge of the Super Eagles until a permanent replacement is announced.

Nigeria will take on the Eagles of Mali at the Grand Stade de Marrakech next Tuesday.

People’s Gazette