Nigeria Ends Ghana Jinx… Winning debut for Finidi as Super Eagles Interim Coach

Goals courtesy the returning Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman gave Nigeria post-Jose Peseiro a commanding start.

Interim head coach of the Super Eagles, Finidi George started new boy Benjamin Tanimu, while Wilfred Ndidi, returned to the side as the captain of the day after missing the Africa Cup of Nations due to injury.

Dessers got a starting berth in the absence of Victor Osimhen, and the Super Eagles created a lot of chances early on the game but for their profligacy in front of goal.

A number of chances were missed, but Nigeria duly went in front via a penalty from Dessers in the 37th minute.

Ghana were reduced to ten men in the second half when Jeremie Opoku was sent off in the 56th for improper conduct, but that seemed to inspire Otto Addo’s side as they started to grow into the game.

But Nigeria would go on to add a second when Ademola Lookman, who replaced Benjamin Tanimu, scored from an Alex Iwobi assist in the 84th minute.

The game looked to be done and dusted for the Super Eagles, however, two minutes into the five minutes added time, Bright Osayi-Samuel committed a foul in the box, and the Referee wasted no time pointing to the spot.

Andrew Ayew sent Stanley Nwabali the wrong way, giving the Ghanaians a glimmer of hope.

Ghana had a penalty shout turned down just moments later after the restart, but the referee would have none of it as he waved play on before sounding the whistle for the final time in the game.

The Super Eagles will now set their sights on Tuesday when they take on Mali at the same stadium.