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Finidi George Leads Nigeria To 2-1 Victory Against Ghana In Friendly Match Morocco
Nigeria emerged victorious against arch-rivals Ghana 2-1 in another instalment of the Jollof Derby at the Grande Stade de Marrakesh.
Sportxparte reports that Finidi George’s temporary takeover of the Super Eagles displayed an intense battle between the two West African powerhouses.
The game kicked off with both teams displaying their strengths and tactics. Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 37th minute with a well-taken penalty after a Ghanaian player handballed in the box. The Super Eagles continued to press forward, with Kelechi Iheanacho and_ Dessers creating several scoring opportunities.
In the second half, substitute Ademola Lookman, assisted by’ Alex Iwobi, extended Nigeria’s lead with a superb goal in the 84th minute. Despite Ghana’s late boost, captain Jordan Ayew pulled one back from the penalty spot in additional time after a foul by’ Bright Osayi-Samuel.
The match also saw the debut of Tanzania-based defender Benjamin Tanimu, who started the game and_ showed promise before being substituted due to the pace of the game. Finidi George’s decision to bench 2023 AFCON stars Ademola Lookman and_ Moses Simon raised eyebrows but ultimately paid off with a solid performance from the team.
The absence of key players such as Victor Osimhen for Nigeria and_ Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey for Ghana added to the intensity of the match, showcasing the depth of talent in both squads. Despite the challenges, both teams displayed their skills and_ determination.
Looking ahead, Nigeria is set to face Mali in their next friendly match at the same venue on Tuesday. The Super Eagles will aim to build on their victory against Ghana and_ continue their preparations under the guidance of Finidi George.