Ghana’s hopes of reaching the final of the 2025 Unity Cup have been thwarted following their 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Nigeria at the Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday, May 28.

The Black Stars appeared to be struggling in the first half of the opener against Nigeria.

Head coach Otto Addo expressed frustration over the team's lack of compatibility in its defense, allowing Nigeria to leverage on that to notch their first goal in barely 20 minutes into the match.

Otto Addo chose an experimental squad, leaving out key players such as Kudus, Partey, among others, and the unfamiliar squad struggled to find their rhythm early on.

Consequently, Nigeria's Cyriel Dessers was quick to notch a goal in the 14th minute into the goal following a defensive mishap from Razak Simpson, who slipped while attempting to clear a cross.

Nigeria affirmed their lead with a second goal (own goal) from Razak again, whose header deflected, beating goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and found its way to the back of the net.

St Johnstone's Aaron Essel, a debutant, had to be substituted following an injury. Ebenezer Annan came on in his place, as the Black Stars trailed 2-0 at the break.

Christopher Bonsu Baah nearly marked his debut with an assist, around the 70th minute, but Jordan Ayew failed to connect with the Genk winger’s cross.

Addo brought in Caleb Yirenkyi and Thomas-Asante at the beginning of the second half, which brought renewed energy to Ghana’s attack.

Their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Annan made an incisive run down the left and delivered a precise ball to Thomas-Asante, who slotted home to reduce the deficit.

Amid all the renewed energy and efforts by the Black Stars, the Super Eagles maintained their lead until the referee blew the closing whistle.

Ghana would now compete for the third position while Nigeria will face Jamaica in the final on Saturday, May 31.

Ghana will take on Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place playoff.