Otto Addo blames inexperience as Black Stars fall 2-1 to Nigeria in Unity Cup
The Black Stars of Ghana were edged out 2-1 by Nigeria in the semi-final of the 2025 Unity Cup in Brentford, with head coach Otto Addo attributing the defeat to the Super Eagles’ greater maturity and tactical discipline.
Speaking after the match at the GTech Community Stadium, Addo reflected on his team’s performance, noting their impressive second-half response but conceding that Nigeria’s experience made the crucial difference. “We had problems getting into the duels to press well and defend well,” he admitted. “I think Nigeria had a more matured team who could adapt faster.”
Ghana were without several key players, including Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Antoine Semenyo, but Addo used the opportunity to test younger talents, several of whom impressed despite the result. “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.”
Nigeria capitalised on a nervy start from the youthful Ghanaian side, opening the scoring through Cyriel Dessers in the early minutes after latching onto a well-timed ball from Ismaila Sodiq. Their second came via an unfortunate own goal, as Seyi Ajayi’s header deflected off Razak Simpson and into the Ghana net. A brilliant save from Benjamin Asare, coupled with a goal-line clearance, prevented Nigeria from adding a third before half-time.
Ghana responded strongly after the break, with Otto Addo making tactical changes that energised his side. Substitutes Caleb Yirenkyi and Brandon Thomas Asante brought fresh impetus, and the latter reduced the deficit in the 70th minute with a well-taken goal from an Ebenezer Annan cross.
The Black Stars continued to press for an equaliser, with Jordan Ayew, Christopher Bonsu Baah, and Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini all coming close, but Nigeria held firm to secure a place in the final against Jamaica, who beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 in the other semi-final.
Despite the defeat, Addo remained optimistic, highlighting the promise shown by his new-look squad. Ghana will now face Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place playoff on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
