Nwabali shows how good he is again, 4 other observations from Super Eagles impressive win v Black Stars 

Nigeria followed its impressive run at the 2023 AFCON tournament with a comfortable 2-1 victory over Ghana in an international friendly in Marrakesh, Morocco on Friday evening.

Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute with a well-taken penalty, followed by Ademola Lookman's powerful strike into the roof of the net in the 84th minute.

Nevertheless, Jordan Ayew managed to narrow the deficit for Ghana in the 95th minute with a successful penalty, deceiving Stanley Nwabili in goal.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the game 

1) Nigeria Secures First Victory Over Ghana In 18 Years 

Nigeria has at last reclaimed the bragging rights from neighboring Ghana, marking the first victory over them since 2006. Prior to the match in Morocco, Nigeria had failed to secure a win against Ghana in six consecutive games.

The Super Eagles' previous triumph against Ghana dates back to the 2006 AFCON tournament when Nigeria emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline on January 23, 2006."

2) Cyriel Dessers Impresses In Osimhen's Absence 

The opening goal arrived in the 39th minute courtesy of a penalty expertly taken by Cyriel Dessers.

The Rangers striker aimed for the bottom-right corner as the goalkeeper made a futile dive in the opposite direction. This marked his second goal for Nigeria since his debut against Tunisia in 2020.

In the absence of regular starters such as Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and Taiwo Awoniyi, Dessers was chosen to spearhead the Eagles' attack and he delivered admirably alongside Kelechi Iheanacho."

3) Finidi Passes First Test As Super Eagles Starts Post Peseiro Era With Victory 

Following Jose Peseiro's departure, Finidi George was entrusted with the interim role for the Eagles.

The Portuguese manager opted not to renew his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following a second-place finish at the 2023 AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.

Ahead of the match, Finidi George, previously an assistant to Peseiro, was appointed as the interim head coach and passed his first test with flying colors.

George showcased his tactical acumen by swiftly reacting to Ghana's dominance in the early stages of the second half.

His strategic substitutions helped Nigeria regain control of the game until the closing stages when Ghana managed to score a penalty through Jordan Ayew."

4) Benjamin Tanimu Debut Dampened By Injury 

Tanimu marked his debut appearance for Nigeria in the thrilling 2-1 triumph against Ghana in Marrakesh. He commenced the match as part of a three-man backline, partnering with Chidozie Awaziem and Semi Ajayi.

However, the former Bendel Insurance defender's debut was cut short in the 79th minute due to injury sustained while thwarting a Ghanaian attack. Ademola Lookman stepped in as his replacement."

5) Nwabali Shows How Good He Is Again

Stanley Nwabili showcased his exceptional performance yet again for the national team in the match against Ghana.

As the goalkeeper for Chippa United, Nwabili made several decisive saves, contributing significantly to Nigeria's securing of victory over Ghana.
    
Adeyemi Adewale

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