The Black Stars lost in their Unity Cup opener with Nigeria yesterday at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Head coach Otto Addo has explained some of the reasons behind his side's 2-1 defeat in the 2025 Unity Cup semifinal to the Super Eagles.

Speaking during his post-match press conference today at the GTech Community Stadium in London on May 28, 2025, the Black Stars coach mentioned that his side competed with a more superior and experienced team.

“We had problems getting into the duels to press well and defend well,” Addo said. “I think Nigeria had a more mature team that could adapt faster,” he noted.

Otto Addo fielded a more experimental team, leaving out some experienced players such as Kudus, Partey, and Sulemana, among others, and featured about four debutants in his squad that faced the Super Eagles.

However, despite the defeat, Otto Addo expressed optimism in the form and display of some of the young players who made their debut, saying they "did really well."

“The young players did really well,” he said. “They are still learning, trying to improve. We’ve gotten a whole lot of answers from our coaching staff.”

With Nigeria advancing to face Jamaica, who defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 in the first semifinal, Ghana will now focus on the third-place playoff against Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday, May 31.

The Unity Cup is a four-nation tournament that features Nigeria, Jamaica, Trinidad, and Tobago. It is being hosted in the United Kingdom from May 28-30.

Ghana’s starting lineup for their 2025 Unity Cup semifinal against Nigeria on May 28, included:

Starting XIBenjamin Asare (GK)

Gideon Mensah

Stephan Ambrosius

Aaron Essel

Kamaradini Mamudu

Razak Simpson

Abdul Samed Salis

Majeed Ashimeru

Christopher Bonsu Baah

Jordan Ayew (C)

Kwame Opoku

Substitutes UsedEbenezer Annan (replaced Essel in the 29th minute)

Caleb Yirenkyi (came on at halftime)

Brandon Thomas-Asante (came on at halftime)